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Reds star returns to club as Andy Robertson ready for Anfield reunion

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Liverpool news: Ex-Reds star returns to club as Andy Robertson ready for Anfield reunion

Former Liverpool star Andy Robertson will return to Anfield tonight as the Reds take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round

Liverpool will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup third round tonight as they look to return to winning ways. The Reds stumbled against Fulham on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with Alvaro Arbeloa's struggling side.

Andoni Iraola deployed the likes of Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz in attack. But his side were deeply uninspiring in the Premier League tie, failing to trouble the Cottagers.

The Spurs game will offer Iraola the chance to make a statement in this season's League Cup and will see club legend Andy Robertson return to Anfield after he departed Anfield this summer. Elsewhere in the latest Liverpool news, the Reds have welcomed home an icon.

James Milner makes Anfield return

Liverpool legend James Milner has made a return to the club after leaving in 2023. The former Man City midfielder is continuing his coaching career by working with youngsters at the Academy in Kirkby.

Milner called time on his astonishing 24-year playing career this summer after a spell with Brighton. The ECHO understands Liverpool's agreement with the ex-Leeds United star is of a casual nature.

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He is not an official permanent member of staff, but is gaining experience towards earning further badges. The 40-year-old was coaching the under-11s at the weekend.

The three-time Premier League champion, who joined the Reds in 2015, is also expected to work with a number of other age groups in the near future.

Milner has already obtained his UEFA A Licence and is looking to conclude his Pro Licence. He previously worked with the Academy while playing for Liverpool.

Andy Robertson primed for Anfield return

Robertson will make his first return to Liverpool since his emotional exit this summer as Tottenham travel to Anfield tonight for the Carabao Cup tie.

The Scot secured eight major trophies during a nine-year spell, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2019.

Robertson left after Milos Kerkez usurped him from the Liverpool first XI. While Kerkez has struggled, and was dropped from the starting line-up against Fulham, the Scotland skipper has featured from the start in three of Tottenham's four Premier League fixtures this campaign.

Spurs head to Anfield on the back of a goalless draw against Everton on Saturday, a result that extended the team's winless run in the Premier League.

Robertson, however, has been one of the few bright spots for Roberto De Zerbi's side this season. Like Milner, fellow Scot Alan Hutton believes Robertson will return to the Reds in a coaching capacity someday.

"Could we see Andy Robertson return to Liverpool as manager someday or take the Scotland or Celtic jobs? I think he can go on and do that if he wants to," the former Spurs and Aston Villa right-back said.

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Premier League plan for £550m boost opposed by 'Big Six' clubs in new financial dispute

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Premier League plan for £550m boost opposed by 'Big Six' clubs in new financial dispute - The Mirror
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The Premier League's 'Big Six' - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur - are reportedly in dispute with the league's other 14 clubs

Premier League clubs are reportedly in dispute over a proposal to increase revenue from sponsors by collectively selling additional commercial rights.

However, clubs such as Manchester United are said to view any further pooling of rights as an impediment to their aspirations to expand their individual income. The league's 'Big Six' - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Man United, and Tottenham Hotspur Hotspur - apparently oppose the proposition.

They are the clubs currently generating the highest revenues, all now exceeding £490million. Aston Villa and Newcastle United are the only clubs that currently come close. However, their 2024/25 incomes were between £300-400million.

The Telegraph reports that the Premier League believes they could increase their annual commercial revenue from £200m to £750m. That would be done by adding rights inventory to the total package offered to sponsors, such as match-day perimeter LED boards.

They currently collectively sell some perimeter advertising, which is shared equally among all 20 clubs as central payments. However, the majority is sold individually by clubs.

'Big Six' clubs would reportedly want a greater share if any expanded commercial offering does pass. The report cites Premier League sources who say they are working with clubs to agree on a solution.

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All clubs are said to have held detailed discussions about the issue twice already this year, first in February and then at June's AGM. It is expected that these rights will be addressed at a league shareholders' meeting on September 24.

Changes to the league's rulebook require at least 14 clubs to vote in favour. For example, six clubs opposed this season's new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules, but the quorum overruled them.

However, they were not the 'Big Six' back then. That sextet were said to be Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Leeds United.

Man City and Man United, however, were reportedly two of a dozen clubs that successfully opposed a spending cap late last year. That proposal was to be based on 4½ times what the Premier League's 20th-placed club.

The 'Big Six' would have to convince at least one other club, though, if they are to stop this latest proposal. Their next chance to do so is in a fortnight when all 20 clubs meet.

Collective commercial revenues will undoubtedly be a hot topic on the agenda. SCR rules only incentivise clubs to expand their revenue streams even further than PSR did previously.

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