GWistooshort

The Guardian Monday 23 June 2009 Priority for Liverpool's new managing director is to renegotiate £350 loan Andy Hunter • Christian Purslow will assist in transfer dealings • RBS want guarantees from Hicks and Gillett Liverpool expect the appointment of Christian Purslow as managing director will benefit Tom Hicks' and George Gillett's attempts to extend their £350m refinancing deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland. The co-owners were confident of an extension despite the alarming financial results posted for last year, but believe relations with the RBS will improve thanks to Purslow's arrival ahead of next month's refinancing deadline. Purslow, a Liverpool season-ticket holder whose family hail from Wirral, is to assume overall management of the club until a replacement is installed for Rick Parry, the long-serving chief executive who leaves Anfield next week, and will then continue as a board director. In the absence of a chief executive it will be Purslow's job to assist the manager, Rafael Benítez, on transfer business this summer, with another priority to renegotiate the £350m loan by 24 July. Liverpool's new managing director has already established a healthy working relationship with senior RBS officials through his background in private equity. The 45-year-old co-founded the private equity firm MidOcean Partners where he remains an executive board member, and his move to Anfield is believed to have been well received by the RBS. Purslow is also a fluent Spanish speaker, with a modern languages degree from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is also chairman of the youth section of Corinthian Casuals, his local team in the West Surrey Youth League. "Christian has been a great supporter of the club for many years and he's already built up good relationships at Anfield," said Hicks. "His strategic and commercial acumen will be a real asset and we're delighted that he has made a long term commitment to the club." The RBS are seeking an increase in personal guarantees from Hicks and Gillett as a condition of their next refinancing deal. Gillett's ability to meet those demands improved dramatically on Sunday when it was confirmed he had reached agreement to sell his 80% stake in the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise back to the Molson brewing family for an estimated £333m. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ju...naging-director

Leto says he's 90% certain to join Panathinaikos http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_5395412,00.html

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Xabi Alonso & Javier Mascherano The Daily Telegraph says “uncertainty still surrounds the futures of Alonso & Mascherano”, with “Real Madrid closing in on Alonso & Barcelona hopeful of signing Mascherano”. The Times claims Liverpool “may struggle” to keep Mascherano, who “could leave” with both Real & Barca “prepared to pay more than £30m”. Fernando Torres The Daily Telegraph says “reports of Chelsea preparing a move for Torres have been dismissed as a non-starter on Merseyside”. Glen Johnson The Portsmouth News claims Johnson “is set to tie up a switch to Liverpool”, despite interest from Chelsea, with both Johnson & Portsmouth “eager to push matters through”. The Times says Liverpool “hope" to sign Johnson "early this week”. Jesus Joaquin Fernandez (‘Suso’) Sky Sports says that reports in Spain claim Liverpool have beaten Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla & Villarreal to the signing of 15-year-old left-footed midfielder Jesus Joaquin Fernandez, known as Suso, from Cadiz on a 5 year contract . Samuel Eto’o Sky Sports reports that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said the club wants Eto’o, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, to stay “for many more years”, but warned that it had to be “in line with our wage structure". Michael Owen Sky Sports reports that Hull manager Phil Brown has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Owen, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool in previous articles, “on the right terms”, but said that “as yet, there has been no offer put to Michael". Peter Crouch The Portsmouth News says that Portsmouth “are bracing themselves” for a bid from Sunderland for Crouch, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool in previous articles, but that it is “unlikely” they would sell him “before the proposed takeover…is completed". Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

Sky say "the teenage sensation is a left-footed player and is thought to possess an innate footballing brain" http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5394698,00.html

From this morning's Guardian.............. "Hicks and Gillett are expected to put out a statement today. It is understood it does not relate to finance or the new stadium and could concern the search for a new chief executive." http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ju...-canadiens-sale

From the Telegraph this morning.......... "a source close to Anfield’s owners denied Liverpool was the club in question" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...eague-club.html

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Xabi Alonso & Javier Mascherano The Sunday Times claims Liverpool are “looking increasingly likely” to lose Alonso & Mascherano. The Sunday Mirror claims Chelsea “have joined the race to sign Alonso” & “will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in an £18m battle [for him]". The Sunday Times claims in a different article Alonso has “discussed personal terms with Real without official permission”. It also claims Rafa “is close to conceding defeat in his attempts to keep Mascherano”, who “is keen to move” to either Barcelona or Real, with the latter “prepared to pay £38m for the joint transfer of Mascherano & Alvaro Arbeloa”. The Sunday People claims Mascherano’s “advisers” say it will be "very difficult" for him to stay at Liverpool, but although Barca are keen there haven’t been any concrete offers for him yet, with Liverpool wanting about £20m for him. Sky Sports reports that when asked about the possibility of Mascherano leaving the club Liverpool coach Mauricio Pellegrino said "I do not want to say anything about it because we already know that in football's world, nothing is impossible". Fernando Torres The News of the World & the Sunday Times both claim Chelsea are ready to bid £50m-£60m for Torres, with Rafa worried that Hicks & Gillett “might struggle to resist”, although the NOTW says Rafa “will do all he can to block the move”. The Times claims that Rafa “has made inquiries” about striker Alvaro Negredo as a possible replacement for Torres. David Villa The News of the World claims that “at the end of [last] season” Rafa “was hopeful” of signing Villa, while Sky Sports reports that Fernando Torres has said "I would like him [Villa] to come to Liverpool of course but I think he is too expensive for us”. Antonio Valencia The Sunday People claims that Liverpool “are considering a move” for Valencia with Man Utd “a long way off” matching Wigan's £18m+ valuation & Real Madrid “having downgraded their interest”, although Wigan Chairman David Whelan has said another Spanish club is interested. Samuel Eto’o The Sunday People claims that Man Utd want to sign Eto'o, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, for £22m, but the deal “could fall apart” because Eto’o is demanding a £12.5m signing-on fee. The article also claims Man City “have already offered a £30m transfer fee” & the Sunday Times says City “are due to discuss the Eto’o deal with Barcelona again next week”. Adam Johnson The Sunday People claims Burnley are ready to bid around £2m including add ons for Johnson, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, although Middlesbrough value him at around £5m. Michael Owen The News of the World reports that Hull City’s Chairman Paul Duffen has said “We're interested in Michael Owen…if the right deal can be done then we would definitely be keen to sign him”. Meanwhile, the Sunday People claims that Everton want to sign Owen, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool in previous articles. Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

Will be again according to McParland "We need to return to the philosophy of passing and moving quickly." http://www.ynwa.tv/forum/index.php?s=&...t&p=2393320

You're right Kahnee

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Andrea Dossena The Daily Telegraph reports that Dossena’s agent Roberto La Florio has said Juventus remains “the most likely destination” for Dossena & that they will “definitely” know more about a possible transfer “next week". La Florio says Dossena “has subtly expressed his desire to join Juve in recent days”. Pepe Reina The Daily Mail says “it now seems certain that Barcelona will not pursue [their] interest in Reina” as current keeper Victor Valdes has signed a new contract. Xabi Alonso Setanta reports that Alonso has said “I am happy at Liverpool” & “does not plan to go [leave]” & that he & Rafa “have a good professional relationship”. Meanwhile, the Liverpool Echo says Rafa does not want to sell Alonso & “will only consider a transfer if Alonso makes it clear he wants to leave & if a club meets his valuation of the player”, which the article says is “in the region of £20m plus”. Javier Mascherano The Daily Mail claims Barcelona are preparing a £35m bid for Mascherano, made up of £20m in cash “plus possibly striker Bojan Krkic”. It also says that Rafa is “understanding” of the reason that Mascherano wants to leave, with his wife unsettled in England, but he still wants “at least £35m” for the player. Glen Johnson The Liverpool Echo claims that Johnson “is weighing up his options”, while the Portsmouth News says he “is deciding his future this weekend”. The Daily Mirror claims Liverpool are “confident” Johnson “will sign on Monday”, while in a different article the Liverpool Echo also says that Liverpool “remain confident” that Johnson “has made up his mind on a move to Anfield” & it claims “he is expected to cut short a holiday to have a medical this weekend”. The Daily Telegraph says “it is understood” that Johnson “would favour a move to Merseyside but may be swayed by the offer of higher wages at Stamford Bridge”. However, the Daily Mail says that while Chelsea “are not totally out of the equation”, Johnson “still seems destined for Anfield” as he “is excited more by Liverpool's project & the chance to link up with Gerrard, Torres & Co”. The Mail adds that “reports Chelsea matched Liverpool's bid are slightly awry” as “Chelsea were 1st to agree terms with Portsmouth a fortnight ago at £17m & Liverpool followed”. The Portsmouth News says in a different article that Liverpool are “the overwhelming favourites & a deal likely to be completed after the weekend”, while the Guardian says “Johnson is expected to join Liverpool”. Carlos Tevez The BBC reports that Tevez’s adviser Kia Joorabchian has said that "Carlos does not want to go to Liverpool because of their competitive nature with Man Utd” after Utd announced that Tevez had decided to leave. Joorabchian confirmed that Chelsea & Man City are among the clubs interested in Tevez, who he said “will not make any decision until the 1st week of July”. Sylvain Distin The Daily Mail claims Distin “is keen on Liverpool”, who it claims “have already placed a £2m bid”, but says “he may only be a squad player there [at Liverpool]" & with Aston Villa also "expressing an interest” will "be keen to hear Martin O'Neill's plans”. The article claims that Sunderland are also interested, but are “likely to be disappointed”. David Villa The Guardian reports that Valencia have announced that Villa, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, is “not for sale” any more, unless they receive a “scandalous” offer. According to Setanta Villa’s agent Jose Luis Tamargo said in a statement that Villa “received offers from the 4 best teams in the world”, but he didn't name them. The Daily Mail reports that Fernando Torres has said he thinks Villa will stay in Spain & join either Barcelona or Real Madrid. Goran Pandev Sky Sports reports that Pandev's agent Carlo Pallavicino has confirmed that "there have been some clubs asking about his availability… from all around Europe”, including “some from [the] Bundesliga”, but there have been no official offers as yet. According to Pallavicino, “his desire is to stay on in Italy in order to achieve Italian citizenship next year, but there is a chance he might move on now”. Pandev has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. David Wheater Sky Sports reports that Middlesbrough Chief Executive Keith Lamb has said he is “absolutely delighted” that Wheater, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, publicly declared he wanted to stay at Boro & that they “are looking forward to David becoming the cornerstone of our defence in future years”. Meanwhile, the Daily Star claims Aston Villa are “weighing up an £8m bid” for Wheater. Roman Pavlyuchenko The Daily Mirror reports that Pavlyuchenko’s agent Oleg Artemov said yesterday he is “busy with the search for a new club for Roman" & that Stuttgart have already officially confirmed their interest in the player, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. The Star claims Roma are also interested in him. Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

That was in Friday morning's Times so medical would have been Thursday night if correct http://www.ynwa.tv/forum/index.php?showtop...p;#entry2400852

His agent?

There has been speculation that he's available this summer Apparently Mourinho preferred David Santon ahead of him for at least the latter part of last season

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Alvaro Arbeloa, Ryan Babel & Andriy Voronin The Liverpool Daily Post says Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin & Alvaro Arbeloa are “the most likely sales to raise transfer funds”, with Rafa “needing cash to boost his forward line”. Xabi Alonso & Javier Mascherano The Daily Mirror claims Rafa “is increasingly worried about the future of Mascherano & Alonso”, while the Daily Mail says “Liverpool want to keep both midfielders but privately accept they might lose one of them”. The Mirror says Rafa will hold meetings with the player’s agents & tell them that the players “must honour” the 3 years left on their contracts. However, it says Rafa is “prepared to sell Alonso…if the money is right, which means Real Madrid must get close to Liverpool’s £30m valuation” & Rafa “will make it clear that he won't be pressurised into selling any cheaper”. The Mail reports that when Alonso was asked if he would be disappointed if a summer move did not materialise he said “I cannot answer that…I have already said everything”, while the Mirror had him replying "I cannot respond to that…but each player thinks about their own future." The Liverpool Daily Post says Alonso has had “his head turned by Real” & as a result “assurances on his future intentions…are yet to be forthcoming”. The Independent claims that Rafa is interested in the following Real players who could be used in any part-exchange for Alonso: striker Alvaro Negredo, who is “likely” to be involved in any deal between Real & Valencia for David Villa, Javier Saviola, who is rated at £5m, & Arjen Robben. The Independent also claims that Mascherano's agent Walter Tamer was actually seen meeting Barcelona directors, which seems to be confirmed by the Mirror which describes the meeting as “a very public”. The Independent says Barca, “who have said they have £35m to spend in total”, would “probably need to cash in on Samuel Eto'o before they can consider a bid [for Mascherano]”, while the Daily Mail says Barca “would have to bid around £45m to even tempt Liverpool or strike a deal that would include a similar player such as Yaya Toure”. The Guardian claims that Barca “believe the ball is in Liverpool's court & Rafa says he is not for sale”. The Mirror believes the meeting “made clear [Mascherano’s] desire to join Barca”, while the Independent reports that “there is a view in Argentina that Mascherano may be ready to leave Anfield”. However, when asked in an interview with the Daily Mail about the prospect of Mascherano leaving, Fernando Torres replied “Javier loves it at Liverpool - that is all I can tell you. In the summer people like to make a lot of noises about world-class players - & Javier is a world-class player. He has said himself that he is very happy at Anfield & there is no reason for him to want to leave.” Fernando Torres Torres has said in his Daily Mail interview “as long as Liverpool want me, I will stay”, after speculation that Man Utd would bid for him. He also says that “clubs…offering higher wages than anybody else…does not interest me” & that he’s “very happy with my contract at Liverpool & wouldn't leave just to earn…more somewhere else”. Glen Johnson The Times claims “Johnson was having a medical at Liverpool last night after a fee of up to £18.5m was agreed with Portsmouth” & Liverpool will pay about £5m this summer, with the rest over the length of his contract, minus the approx £7m still owed by Portsmouth for Peter Crouch. Sky Sports reports Portsmouth’s Executive Chairman Peter Storrie has confirmed that Chelsea have matched Liverpool's bid for Johnson, which Sky claims was for £17.5m. Storrie said "The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him [Johnson] & what club he prefers…the matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week”. Sky says “both sides [are] keen to tie up a deal this week”. The Daily Telegraph claims Chelsea’s bid was accepted “last weekend”, but Johnson “has said he would prefer to join Liverpool”. The Liverpool Echo claims that Liverpool are “confident” of signing Johnson & the Portsmouth News says “Liverpool [are] still favourites”. The Daily Mail says Liverpool “hope” to conclude the signing “within the next 48 hours”. Carlos Tevez Both the Liverpool Daily Post & Sky Sports report that Tevez has “ruled out” moving to Liverpool. The Daily Post claims “Liverpool registered an interest in Tevez when he became a free agent at the end of the last campaign, although no formal approach was made to his management company”. Sky Sports says their sources “have been informed that a move to Anfield is not an option for Tevez”, which leaves Chelsea, Man City & Man Utd “battling it out” to sign him. Tuncay The Daily Mail claims Spurs are “keen on” Tuncay, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, & are “likely to test the water with a £3.5m bid”, although Middlesborough want £7m for him. It also claims that Fenerbahce are the only club to have tabled a firm offer, but says Tuncay “is known to prefer a move to a Premier League outfit rather than returning home to Turkey”. Nicolas Lodeiro The Independent claims Uruguayan attacking midfielder Lodeiro, “whom Benitez has viewed on DVD”, is a “possible target”. David Villa Sky Sports reports that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claims it is only "a question of time" before the club sign Villa, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. Samuel Eto’o The Independent claims Man City “were in further talks” with Barcelona yesterday over Eto'o, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, & hope they will be given permission to talk to the player for whom they are ready to pay “a huge wage”, though not as high as the £192,000 a week after tax which has been suggested Arjen Robben The Guardian reports that Real Madrid's Director General Jorge Valdano has said “it would be better if Robben listened to the offers coming in for him” & claims Real “remain hopeful” that, “after an impressive 2nd ½ to the last campaign”, they could get “as much as £30m” for Robben, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. The article claims that Real “have warned” Robben, who does not want to leave, but whom the club considers “too injury prone”, that he risks not being registered for La Liga or the Champions League if he stays. Lorik Cana The Times claims Everton, Hamburg & Stuttgart are interested in £7.5m-rated Marseilles midfielder Cana, who has been linked with Liverpool in a previous article. Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

4 June A number of papers, including the Liverpool Daily Post, report Tuncay’s comments that, when asked about “possible interest from Liverpool”, he said “I’ve heard something about that, but nothing official has arrived to me”. The Daily Post says that Liverpool are “in the market for a new striker during the transfer window” following Robbie Keane’s departure & Rafa “has made bolstering his strikeforce a priority”. The Daily Mirror agrees, saying that Rafa “has been looking for a 4th striker who won't break the bank…to allow him to concentrate his summer transfer funds on other key areas in his squad” & “who is happy to fill as a support striker to Torres & be prepared to act as back up from the bench”. The Mirror says “Tuncay fits the bill” & Rafa “ran the rule over the Turkey international in the final weeks of the season & he liked what he saw”. The Daily Mail claims that Liverpool will bid £5m for Tuncay. However, the Guardian says David Silva is Rafa’s “preferred option”. It’s widely reported that Tuncay, who scored 8 goals this season, is expected to leave Middlesborough in the summer following the club’s relegation, with the Guardian claiming he would cost around £8m. The Times claims that Fulham also want him, while he has been linked with Chelsea in recent months. http://www.ynwa.tv/forum/index.php?showtop...p;#entry2392429 5 June The Daily Mail claims that Tuncay, who is likely to cost £5m-£7m, is “down the list of targets at Anfield”. However, the paper says Fenerbache have a “strong interest” in him & Chelsea “may make a move if they fail to land other targets”, while Portsmouth “may also show an interest”. http://www.ynwa.tv/forum/index.php?showtop...p;#entry2392429 11 June Sky Sports reports that Tuncay, been linked with both Liverpool & Chelsea, has said he wants “to play for another 3 years in England”. He confirmed that “there is contact with several teams”, but “cannot say how much or when until any formal offers have been made” & that there is interest from England, Germany & Spain. Tuncay also said he doesn’t want to return to Turkey yet, where he has been linked with a return to former club Fenerbahce, but said if he did return “it would be for Fenerbahce”. http://www.ynwa.tv/forum/index.php?showtop...p;#entry2396145

According to the Independent this morning Toure’s agent Dmitri Seluk said that Toure should sign a new contract with Barca “this week” http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ic-1707289.html

Yes.......... "fixture planners should now be safe from Sir Alex Ferguson's wrath after revealing their schedule for next season. Incensed at having to travel to nine of their 10 nearest rivals in the first half of last season, United's manager let fly at the system for determining matches and even asked if it was designed to undermine his side's bid for honours. There was never likely to be any repeat after United secretary Ken Ramsden found himself drafted on to the group responsible for overseeing each season's list of games. Ramsden took his place on the League's Fixtures Working Party and can expect a nod of approval from Ferguson over a programme that should not only ease United into the new campaign but spare them any unwanted extra travel when the Champions League kicks in midway through September. They launch their title defence with relatively easy pickings against newly-promoted Birmingham and then Burnley, followed by Wigan." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...-pay-alone.html

Speculation that he could be available for £5m, although he's talked about possibly joining Ancelotti at Chelsea

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Alvaro Arbeloa Sky Sports reports Arbeloa has said “I am happy at Liverpool, but I have something to prove in Spain as I did not show my best form in La Liga”. Arbeloa also said it is “nice” to be linked with Real Madrid & that he is “sure” he will return to play in Spain “one day” & “if Liverpool get an offer they will consider it”. The Daily Mirror adds that Arbeloa said “outside of football, I miss everything I have in my country” & claims that Real are interested in Arbeloa but “do not want to meet Liverpool’s £10m asking price” & “have reached a stand-off with Liverpool over what they see as unrealistic prices” having also being quoted £33m for Xabi Alonso. The Guardian claims Arbeloa “is likely to be sold should a suitable bid arrive this summer”. Xabi Alonso The Daily Mail says that Real Madrid Sporting Director Jorge Valdano “has been charged with finding alternatives” to Alonso after “losing [the] fight with Liverpool” & “being priced out of a move” for Alonso. Andrea Dossena The Liverpool Daily Post reports that Dossena’s agent Roberto La Florio has said Juventus “have yet to decide” whether to go for Dossena or Lyon’s Fabio Grosso & “if they decide to target my client then we would evaluate the offer”. La Florio added that Dossena “is happy at Liverpool but Juventus is Juventus, & he’s a little nostalgic for Italy”. However, Sky Sports reports that Dossena has said he is “happy in Liverpool & wants to stay” & has “never said” he wanted to leave. The Daily Mirror claims that “Liverpool will sell Dossena to Juventus for around £7m”. Javier Mascherano Both the Guardian & the Daily Mirror claim that Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, held talks with Barcelona representatives in the city's Rey Juan Carlos I hotel for 2 hours last night over a possible move, despite Rafa’s public statement that Mascherano isn’t for sale. The Guardian says “it is believed Tamer was seeking assurances about the personal terms on offer” & claims “there are suspicions within the club that, having seen Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres & Dirk Kuyt offered lucrative new contracts in recent months, Mascherano wants a similar pay rise”. The Mirror claims that Barca are prepared to discuss a swap including Yaya Toure, although the Independent reports that Toure’s agent Dmitri Seluk has said that Toure should sign a new contract with Barca “this week”. The Guardian says Liverpool have not yet received an inquiry from Barca for Mascherano, while in a different article the Independent claims they have. Pepe Reina The Independent says that according to various reports Barcelona “are set to launch a bid” for Reina after contract talks with Victor Valdes broke down & they believe a bid of £17m “would test Liverpool's resolve, especially considering the financial difficulties the Anfield club are currently in”. The Times claims that such a bid has already been tabled by Barca. However, the Liverpool Daily Post reports that Rafa will “fight off” Barca’s advances & notes that Reina recently said that he has “a pretty long way to go [in his career] & hopefully that will be with Liverpool”. Steven Defour Sky Sports reports that Defour's agent Paul Stefani has said "there has been a lot of interest” in the 21-year-old Standard Liege midfielder “but Standard have yet to receive any official bids”. Sky says that Liverpool & Aston Villa are “said to be leading the chase to land him” & Stefani commented that “Aston Villa & Liverpool are great clubs where Steven would certainly enjoy playing”. He went on to say that Standard would let Defour go “depending on the offer”. The Liverpool Daily Post Rumour Mill claims “Liverpool could pip a host of rivals to sign Defour”, including Arsenal, Everton & Villa, “in a deal which could cost as much as £15m”. Antonio Valencia The Daily Mirror claims that Liverpool “hoped to exploit a delay” in Man Utd’s signing of Valencia from Wigan as Utd are waiting until Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid is completed. The article says Rafa “is a long-term admirer of Valencia” & sees him as an alternative should he miss out on David Silva. It claims Rafa almost signed Valencia 18 months ago when “he agreed a £9m fee, but was not given the financial backing by his board” & that he “has been making fresh inquiries”, but Man Utd will complete the £16m signing of Valencia “by the weekend”. David Villa Sky Sports says Liverpool reportedly want Villa, along with Chelsea & Man Utd, although Barcelona & Real Madrid “are leading the chase”. Sky reports that Villa told the press after Spain’s win over Iraq yesterday that “I have made my decision” & that his agent “is now working on that - so I am relaxed”. Villa also said “there is no deadline on the subject, & I really do not have any more details as this whole thing is not totally dependent on me”. According to the Daily Telegraph “sources close to Villa” are “suggesting that the player has set his heart on a move to Real”. Stewart Downing The Daily Mail claims Liverpool are interested in Downing & will be alerted to the possibility of the player moving to Spurs, which the paper claims he “is keen on”, after Middlesborough, who “may be willing to barter a loan deal with a view to a permanent £12m signing later on”, “opened the way for negotiations”. Sky Sports reports that Boro Chief Executive Keith Lamb has said that “Stewart's sale is not vital”, but that he "wouldn't rule anyone out & anyone in" & if Spurs wanted to “re-open negotiations on Stewart” he “would certainly take their call". Carlos Tevez The Independent & the Daily Telegraph both claim that Man Utd want Tevez, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, to make a decision on his future by the time Utd manager Alex Ferguson returns from holiday in the middle of next week. The Telegraph say Man Utd & Man City “now appear to be in a 2-way battle for Tevez's signature with Chelsea distancing themselves from reports linking them with a move for the 25 year-old”. Nicolas Lodeiro The Liverpool Daily Post Rumour Mill claims Uruguayan U20 midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro “is attracting interest from Liverpool”, having “been recommended to Rafa by his South American scouts”, although it says Barcelona are also watching him. Anas Sharbini The Liverpool Daily Post Rumour Mill also claims that Liverpool “are tracking” 22-year-old Croatian playmaker Anas Sharbini, who is reportedly available for a cut-price fee of £3m as he only has a year left on his contract. It says Ajax, Aston Villa, Celtic, Cologne, Dinamo Zagreb & Hamburg have all also been linked with him. Lorik Cana The Liverpool Daily Post Rumour Mill says that Liverpool are being linked with Marseille's 25-year-old Albanian defensive midfielder & captain Lorik Cana, along with Arsenal, Everton & Spurs. Arjen Robben Most papers cover comments by Robben’s agent & father Hans that his son, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, “will certainly not join Tottenham”, dismissing the stories as “absolute nonsense”. However, the Guardian points out that after Hans said in 2004 “My son will go to Chelsea over my dead body…he'd rather play in PSV's reserves than for Chelsea" Robben joined Chelsea a month later. The Independent claims Spurs are in talks with Real Madrid about signing Robben & want Real to continue to pay part of Robben’s wages of £80,000 a week, which are “way in excess” of the highest earners at White Hart Lane. Samuel Eto’o The Daily Mail claims that “Barcelona sources” say a deal “is almost complete” for Eto’o, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, to join Man City for just under £30m & wages of £192,000 a week after tax. Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

There were some comments of his in the papers the other day where he was talking about Man Utd's interest in Antonio Valencia &, providing the comments were accurately reported, he actually said "the master that is Sir Alex Ferguson"

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with… Ryan Babel The Guardian & the Times both claim that Galatasaray have inquired about Babel, whom the Guardian says “is likely to be sold should Liverpool receive a significant bid”. The Daily Mail reckons new Galatasary boss Frank Rijkaard will make an £8m offer for Babel, who the Mail claims is “exasperated at his lack of opportunities” at Anfield, but the paper believes he would prefer a move to Spain or Italy if he cannot find another Premier League club. Andrea Dossena The Guardian claims Dossena will be sold by Liverpool & the Independent claims Liverpool believe they could get £7m for Dossena, who the paper says wants to return to Italy. The Daily Telegraph claims he is “edging closer to a £6m move to Juventus”. Xabi Alonso The Daily Mail says Real Madrid are “ready to give up their fight” to sign Alonso, while both the Independent & the Liverpool Daily Post say Real have already “given up”, following comments from Real’s sporting director Jorge Valdano that “Xabi is a player who has little chance of joining Real Madrid”. However, the Guardian & the Independent in a different article speculate that Valdano’s comments could be part of the negotiating process aimed at “forcing Liverpool to lower their asking price” for Alonso, who the Guardian claims “remains disillusioned with his relationship with the Liverpool manager”. In a different article the Mail claims Real will make another bid for Alonso. Alvaro Arbeloa The Independent says Real Madrid are “known to have a keen interest in Arbeloa” & “although no bid has yet been tabled, there is optimism at Anfield that one will be forthcoming”, with the Daily Telegraph saying that Rafa is “braced for an £8m approach from Real once Spain's involvement in the Confederations Cup ends”. The Daily Mail claims Arbeloa will move to Real for £8m. Glen Johnson The Guardian claims that Liverpool “expect” to sign Johnson “within the next week” & the Liverpool Daily Post says “both parties are hoping a deal can be concluded swiftly”. However, the Portsmouth News claims the deal “is on pause” because Rafa & Johnson are both on holiday [although there was a report in at least 1 paper - last week I think - that Rafa was back], while Portsmouth Executive Chairman Peter Storrie has been in Israel since Monday visiting the club’s owner. The paper says Liverpool “remain quietly confident of winning the race [for Johnson] ahead of Man City & Chelsea”. The Daily Post says Rafa “will be delighted” that Portsmouth have accepted Liverpool’s bid for Johnson, whom according to the Guardian was one of Rafa's “leading targets” this summer, “along with David Silva & Gareth Barry”. The Independent says Rafa is “a long-time admirer” of Johnson & “gave serious consideration last summer to the idea of offering Peter Crouch in return for Johnson”, although he eventually balked at Portsmouth’s £12m valuation of the right back. However, the Daily Telegraph reckons that Liverpool did bid “in the region of £12m” for Johnson both last summer & in January, but that the bids “were turned down by Portsmouth”. It also claims the £17m fee is made up of Liverpool writing off the £7m Portsmouth still owe for Crouch plus £10m paid over 2 years. According to the Independent Chelsea decided that the price for Johnson “was too high”, while the Guardian says “it is believed problems selling Jose Bosingwa may have forced Chelsea's sudden retreat”, as they were “unwilling to add another expensive right-back to their squad [without offloading Bosingwa 1st]”. The Guardian says Johnson didn’t want to go to Man City because of their lack of Champions League football, while the Independent claims that Man City didn’t actually bid for Johnson. The Independent says that “one perspective from within Anfield yesterday was that Benitez…felt a need to act quickly & avoid missing out” especially as “the memory of the drawn-out Gareth Barry saga last summer lingers”. It also claims that Liverpool will pay Johnson a salary “thought to be £80,000-a-week net of tax”, “which will make him one of the club's highest earners…eclipsed only by…Steven Gerrard & Fernando Torres”. David Silva The Times claims that Rafa “will turn his attention to Silva once the deal for Johnson is concluded”. However, the Independent believes that the prospect of Liverpool signing Silva “look much slimmer” if Liverpool sign Johnson because the club's "funds are limited". Gabriel Heinze & Arjen Robben Both the Daily Mirror & the Daily Mail claim Spurs are in talks with Real Madrid to sign Heinze & Robben, both of whom have been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, as well as Klaus Jan Huntelaar for a combined fee of £30m-£37m, with the Mail publishing a picture of the Spurs delegation in Madrid on Monday. The Mail says Spurs are concerned about the player’s salary demands, Heinze has a problem with his left knee & Robben wants to join a Champions League club, & while the Mirror says Robben doesn’t want to leave Real & Heinze has an offer from former club PSG. Carlos Tevez The Guardian claims that Liverpool want to sign Tevez, as do Man City, Chelsea – “who do not believe they will land him”, & Man Utd, despite Tevez saying “that he has no plans to return to Old Trafford when he becomes a free agent on 30 June”. The Independent claims Chelsea consider the £25.5m asking price as “excessive” & “are keener on pursuing Ribéry”. Sylvain Distin The Daily Mail claims Liverpool have made a £2m bid for Distin. Antonio Valencia The Guardian reports that Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed they will meet with Man Utd & Real Madrid “in the next 3 or 4 days” to discuss the future of Valencia, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, & he expects a deal to be done in “another 10 to 14 days”. Whelan also confirmed that “another European club”, which the Guardian, the Independent, the Daily Mail & the Times all believe to be Bayern Munich, have also asked to meet to discuss Valencia. Peter Crouch Sky Sports reports that Crouch, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool in previous articles, has also been linked with German champions Wolfsburg, with his agent Jonathan Barnett describing it as “an interesting option”. Ezequiel Lavezzi Sky Sports reports Napoli have warned Lavezzi, whose agent has continually claimed that Liverpool want to sign him despite a firm public denial by Rafa, that he must turn up for pre-season training on 10 July. Michael Owen The Daily Mail reports that Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan, who tried to sign Owen for £15m when he left Real Madrid, has said Wigan “wouldn't be interested” in Owen, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool in previous articles, this summer because “his wages are too expensive” & “you have to ask whether he still has the urge, the bottle & the drive”. Transfer window closes 5pm 31 August

Several papers are reporting that at the request of the Glaziers Man Utd now have a policy not to buy any players over 26 for large transfer fees because their resale values will be low & the Guardian says that as a result Man Utd are not interested in signing Eto'o, Ribery or Villa http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ju...transfer-policy http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ys-1706887.html

Several papers are saying that West Ham are in talks with Inter to take Brazilian left winger Mancini, who we were reportedly interested in before he left Roma for Inter, on a season long loan with a view to a permanent transfer http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6515308.ece http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ho-1706738.html

but strangely enough does think that it's legal to use your elbows when challenging an opposing player

Still, he did only cost £15m