The 22 man squad arrived in Portugal ahead of the weekend’s Guandiana Cup friendlies against Feyenoord and Benfica on their own private jet yesterday. That includes Luke Young, James Milner and James Collins, who was cleared after a scan on his calf Wednesday morning.

Luke Young’s agent has confirmed that he is discussing personal terms with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insisted on showing his Macedonian hosts the courtesy of discussing tonight’s Europa League match against Rabotnicki, refusing to discuss Luke or any other Anfield transfer business.

To confuse the issue, The Sun claims that Luke Young didn’t make the trip to Portugal and the deal has “collapsed“. Up to their usual standards of journalism then. He definitely made the trip.

Plenty more speculation about Milner of course, nothing really worth addressing though. He looked relaxed and happy enough from the pictures and videos I took a look at. I don’t know what can be read from that, probably nothing. Just saying.

Player transfers aside, we won’t be in action until Saturday night’s game against Feyenoord, but Benfica will kick off the three way tournament on Friday night against the Dutch side before meeting Villa on Sunday night. Until then, training in the Algarve sun. Not a bad life, is it?

And finally, some product placement… Steve Jobs, Dr. Dre and the Greek goddess of victory are grateful for Habib Beye’s endorsement.

That’s checkmate by the way, Habib.

[Photo credit: AVFC OS]