KLOPP WORRIED OVER PITCH FOR ASIA TROPHY

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp fears a poor pitch for the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong will hinder his side’s preparations for the new season. Heavy rain has damaged the surface and Liverpool, West Brom, Leicester and Crystal Palace are being kept updated on its condition. Klopp said: ‘I’m interested in the quality of the game. The pitch is important, but if it’s bad we can’t change it.’

MIDDLESBROUGH have signed Britt Assombalonga (left) from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £15m deal. The 24-year-old, who scored 14 Championship goals last season, is boss Garry Monk’s fifth summer buy.

BRIGHTON defender Connor Goldson has revealed he could have died on the pitch prior to surgery for a swollen aorta. The 24-year-old said: ‘It would have been death straight away, no chance of resuscitation.’

HARRY REDKNAPP wants to take Aaron Lennon to Birmingham on loan from Everton. Lennon, 30, has returned to training after a spell in hospital to treat mental health issues.