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Liverpool are not commenting on claims they could face a transfer ban on academy players if they are found guilty of 'tapping up' a Stoke youngster.
The case, which involves allegations of a forbidden inducement offered to a 12-year-old, has been ongoing for some time but details only emerged last week.
Reports on Thursday suggested matters are coming to a head and that the most severe sanction could be a transfer ban on youth players, but Liverpool have maintained their stance of not commenting until the process is complete.
Show all 12 1 /12Liverpool players who could leave this summer Liverpool players who could leave this summer Daniel Sturridge An electric frontman just three years ago, Sturridge has now lost a bit of that spark due to persistent injury problems. However, according to Jamie Carragher, Sturridge has become irked at speculation linking him with a move away, suggesting he may yet stick around to prove himself. Survival rating: 6/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Alberto Moreno Moreno is surely in line to depart this summer, having been frozen out of the starting line-up since the opening day win at Arsenal and kept out by a makeshift left-back. Although he offers an obvious attacking threat, his lack of composure has cost Liverpool too many times in his short Anfield career. Survival rating: 2/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Simon Mignolet He may have won his battle with Loris Karius for the starting spot between the sticks, but both may have lost the war. Neither have convinced when given an opportunity and Mignolet is merely the man in possession. There will be concern if that’s still the case come next season’s opening weekend. Survival rating: 8/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Emre Can A player with undoubted potential, but one who has consistently under-performed. His contractual situation is a worry, too. Can’s current deal expires in the summer of 2018 and, with negotiations progressing slowly, Liverpool could be tempted to cash in. Survival rating: 7/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Lucas Leiva A club stalwart, a fan favourite, but a player undoubtedly coming to the end of his time at Anfield. His contract expires this summer and a renewal would be one borne out of sentiment rather than sense. Survival rating: 2/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Loris Karius Like Mignolet, Karius' future will depend on whether Klopp decides to enter the market for a goalkeeper for the second consecutive summer. If he does, last year's signing from Mainz will have a long road back to the first team. He is young, though, and his status as a relatively new signing could work in his favour. Survival rating: 7/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Ragnar Klavan Brought in as a fourth-choice centre-back last summer, Klavan shot up the pecking order following Mamadou Sakho’s disciplinary issues. Joel Matip’s injury problems saw Klavan promoted further still and, though he has put in a handful of solid displays, others have been below-par. If a new centre-back arrives and Joe Gomez’s development continues apace, Klavan will be back on the fringes. Survival rating: 7/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Mamadou Sakho Sakho is currently out on loan at Crystal Palace and his Anfield career looks all but over after the disciplinary problems which have dogged him. Klopp looks to have made his mind up on the defender, who would be a regular starter if he had his manager's trust. Survival rating: 1/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Jon Flanagan Local-born Flanagan is a fan favourite who only signed a new contract last season, but as an old-fashioned full-back, he is perhaps not dynamic enough for Klopp's system. A lack of minutes at loan club Burnley will not have helped his cause. Survival rating: 2/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Andre Wisdom Wisdom broke into Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side during the Northern Irishman's first season at the club, but his progress has stagnated. The 23-year-old may now look to build a career away from English football, having spent this season on loan at Red Bull Salzburg. Survival rating: 2/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Lazar Markovic Markovic seems destined to become an expensive Liverpool flop, having flattered to deceive since his £20million move from Benfica in 2014. He could yet enjoy success elsewhere however, and has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent while on loan at Hull. Survival rating: 3/10
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Liverpool players who could leave this summer Danny Ings Liverpool's forgotten man has been unlucky with injuries since joining from Burnley. Ings has made just 11 starts in two years following two serious knee injuries. With any luck, Klopp will show sympathy to his beleaguered striker. Survival rating: 6/10
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According to the Daily Telegraph , Liverpool have also been accused of reneging on an agreement to pay the unnamed youngster's school fees - which Stoke were doing - until he turned 16, after they realised that breached newly-introduced rules on inducements and refused to honour the commitment.
If found guilty, possible punishments range from a fine to a transfer ban, although the Premier League also refused to comment on the case.
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