Here’s our Liverpool news recap for Saturday 10th August with updates on Lewis Koumas, LeBron James, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

New contract and loan move announced

Lewis Koumas has signed a new Liverpool contract and joined Stoke City on a season-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old marked his senior debut for the Reds last season with a goal in a 3-0 win over Southampton in an Emirates FA Cup fifth-round tie at Anfield and had been part of head coach Arne Slot’s plans during pre-season.

Featuring in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End in July, Koumas was name in the squad for the tour of the USA, where he was involved in the victory over Real Betis in Pittsburgh.

Liverpool FC’s Lewis Koumas celebrates after scoring the first goal on his debut during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda LIVERPOOL Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xPropagandaxPhotoxAgencyx P2024-02-28-Liverpool_Southampton-28

Potentially one for the future, Liverpool have moved to tie down the striker for the long-term and clearly feel a loan spell in the Championship with Stoke is best for his development.

James ‘considering’ massive bid

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group and basketball superstar LeBron James are reportedly considering putting together a massive bid to purchase an NBA team.

The team in question? Well none other than the legendary Boston Celtics NBA franchise who have recently been put up for sale.

And it would appear that James is on course to avoid a major loophole that allows him to be part of any potential purchase.

According to a report in the New York Post, James couldn’t be a part of the Celtics’ ownership now, but with the sale not closing until 2028, the 39 year-old will have surely retired by that time.

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Robertson wanted by Galatasaray

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is a summer transfer target for Galatasaray.

That’s according to reports in Turkey who claim Gala have added the Scotland international to their wishlist along with former Everton full-back Lucas Digne as they aim to recruit a left-back before the transfer window closes.

Now, there’s no suggestion that any discussions or talks have taken place and it’s unlikely that Robertson will be allowed to depart Anfield this summer despite struggling with injuries over the past year.

RECORD DATE NOT STATED 14th March 2024 Anfield, Liverpool, Merseyside, England Europa League, Round of 16, Second Leg Football, Liverpool versus Sparta Prague Andy Robertson of Liverpool celebrates after his side& x2019s third goal PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK ActionPlus12618249 DavidxBlunsden

Robertson’s preparations for the 2024/25 campaign has been disrupted by a nagging fitness issue that kept him out of pre-season but once fully fit, it’s likely he will be the first-choice left-back option under new head coach Arne Slot.

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Alexander-Arnold talks planned

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to hold talks with Arne Slot next week as Liverpool recognise this is a crucial time with regard to the defender’s future.

Whilst a new contract for the full-back is a high priority for the club, they will make an attempt to convince Alexander-Arnold to commit his long-term future once he’s spoken with the new head coach over his role and position in the team.

Despite being one of the best right-backs in the world, the 25-year-old has been tipped to play as a central midfielder moving forward, but it remains to be seen if that is an option under Slot.

Such is the importance of these talks that CaughtOffside claim the Merseyside giants will attempt to advance things on the contract front in the knowledge that if things don’t go to plan, it could pave the way for Alexander-Arnold to join Real Madrid.

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Gordon update

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has claimed that Anthony Gordon remains committed to the Magpies despite speculation over a move to Liverpool.

“No distractions. He’s been really impressive [in training]. His focus has been on his work and his fitness, everything to do with this football club, nothing else,” said Howe.

“I’m confident he is okay. We’ve had no conversations over the summer where it has been fractious or negative. He’s always been the Anthony Gordon who has given absolutely everything to Newcastle. He’s such an important player for us.

Anthony Gordon

“We didn’t want to lose anybody [this summer]. Why would we want to lose our best players? We fought really hard to make the right decisions in those last couple of weeks.”