GWistooshort

A round-up of Tuesday's (2 June) transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with General round up The Liverpool Daily Post says that with Rafa “needing to sell to supplement his transfer funds” Andrea Dossena & Ryan Babel “are prime candidates to be moved on”, while Gareth Barry, David Silva & Carlos Tevez “are among several players Benitez has assessed as he seeks the “one or two” major signings he believes can nudge Liverpool ahead of their rivals”. Ryan Babel In another article the Liverpool Daily Post says “a summer exit appears likely” for Babel. Xabi Alonso The Daily Mirror, the Guardian & the Liverpool Daily Post all claim that Real Madrid will offer 23 year old Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, whom Liverpool have scouted in the past, as a makeweight in an attempt to sign Alonso, who has become “the most immediate [transfer] priority” for Real according to the Daily Post. Negredo has scored 19 goals in 34 games this season for Almeria & has been the club's leading scorer for the 2 seasons he’s been there with 32 goals in total. He is valued at £10-12m, but Real have an option to buy him back for just over £4m under the terms of the deal when they sold him to Almeria. The Guardian believes that though Real “would not struggle to finance a straight cash deal for Alonso” offering cash plus Negredo as a cut-price option to Liverpool “may make such a move appeal to Benítez” as it “could…enable the Liverpool manager to strengthen his attack & fund a renewed bid for Gareth Barry”, although Alonso “may ultimately have to declare a desire to leave Liverpool for Benítez to accept Real's impending offer”. The Mirror agrees, saying that if Real value Alonso at about £20m plus Negredo ie about £25m “they could well have a deal” because “at that price Benitez would to listen to offers”. The Guardian claims that “despite public assertions to the contrary, the prospect of Alonso leaving Anfield remains alive” because “his relationship with Benítez was badly strained by the manager's attempts to sell him last summer…& Benítez must sell to meet all his current transfer requirements”. In another article the Liverpool Daily Post says Alonso “appears increasingly likely to depart for Real”. The Guardian says Liverpool’s resolve that Alonso is not for sale “will be tested in the coming weeks, with Real among several parties, including Arsenal, who are keen on the Spain international”. Sky Sports reports that Cesc Fabregas has suggested Arsenal should sign Alonso while the Daily Mail claims new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti would also like to sign him. Ezequiel Lavezzi Sky Sports reports that Argentinian attacker Lavezzi has said despite Liverpool's offer he “wants to stay at Napoli”, with whom he has a contract until June 2012, but that “it depends on the club”. Kleber Sky Sports & the Guardian both report claims by Brazilian forward Kleber that Liverpool have made a £6m offer for him, which they are “analysing”. Kleber, who scored 19 goals in 19 appearances for his club Cruzeiro after signing from Dynamo Kiev for around £4m in the Jan transfer window, said he would “prefer to stay [in Brazil]”, but that he “would see” because he “also knows the team need to transfer players as they have commitments”. Carlos Tevez Both the Daily Mirror & the Independent say that Man Utd chief executive David Gill will meet Kia Joorabchian tomorrow to discuss Tevez’s future. The Mirror believes Utd will make one last effort to get Tevez for a reduced price of £20m, but, with Liverpool, Chelsea & Man City willing to pay the asking price of £25.5m, Tevez “is now likely to leave Old Trafford”. However, the Independent claims that Liverpool “do not appear to be willing” to match the £25.5m asking price, unlike Chelsea, Real Madrid & Man City, who would seem to be the “prime contender” for his services, & that the wages being offered by Man City are also superior to Liverpool’s. The Independent also reports that there was “little optimism from Tevez's representatives yesterday” that Man Utd would secure the player's services permanently. According to the Daily Telegraph Chelsea “have registered an interest” in Tevez, with Liverpool & Man City “providing the most immediate competition”. Glen Johnson The Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph & the Independent all claim that Chelsea want to re-sign Johnson, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, with the Telegraph claiming that Chelsea have already expressed an interest in him. Michael Owen The Daily Mirror claims Everton have offered Owen, who was linked with Liverpool in a previous article, a £50,000 a-week deal & that the signs point to him agreeing to the deal “in the very near future”. Transfer window open: 1 July - 5pm 31 August Deals can be done before 1 July, but a player can only move to his new team when the window is open.

It all depends on whether you think it's worth taking the risk or not For the reasons outlined in my post above I don't think that it is I'd rather we spent the money that would go on his wages on someone else

From the Daily Telegraph today............ Manchester United hope to succeed in their 'last chance' to sign Carlos Tevez Manchester United will attempt to agree a deal to sign Carlos Tevez at a meeting scheduled with his advisers later this week after indicating that they will now be willing to pay the £25.5 million price agreed two years ago. By Jason Burt Last Updated: 7:47AM BST 01 Jun 2009 Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all now, in principle, reached the asking price for the 25-year-old Argentine. However his adviser, Kia Joorabchian, the man who leads the group of investors who own the rights to Tevez, insists he will not enter into negotiations until June 10. It was claimed on Sunday that City had agreed a deal for Tevez but Joorabchian is insistent that this is not the case and that the striker wants to wait until after Argentina have completed their forthcoming international matches. They play Colombia at home on June 6 and then are away to Ecuador four days later in two crucial World Cup qualification matches. Although Tevez has appeared certain to leave United, having failed to secure a permanent contract at the end of his two-year loan period, and having said his farewells to the rest of the squad following last week's Champions League final, there is one last chance for United to secure a deal. Chief executive David Gill indicated last week that the club were considering backing down in their attempts to renegotiate a price for Tevez, having hoped to pay less than £20 million. Gill also admitted it was "easier" to deal with a company than a club in this case – something Sir Alex Ferguson had said wasn't the case, much to Joorabchian's annoyance. Another significant hurdle for United is to convince Tevez that he will play frequently enough. One of the player's major complaints is that he has not started a sufficient number of United's important matches and only featured as a half-time substitute in last week's final. He has become disillusioned and wanted to leave, as he declared in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph last month. Tevez's anger has, however, cooled and he is now less certain that he will definitely be leaving United. He wants to stay in the Premier League and the firm interest from three of United's rivals has also not gone unnoticed by Gill and Ferguson who had hoped there would not be other serious bidders, allowing them to renegotiate the original terms. City are proving to be the most eager bidders at present with manager Mark Hughes, along with his family, his backroom staff and their families, in Abu Dhabi for a short holiday. The will also discuss the club's transfer targets with owner Sheikh Mansour who has indicated, despite public declarations otherwise, that he wants to spend big this summer in order to challenge for the Champions League places. City are likely to also mount a serious bid for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o who has been told he can leave the club even if he would prefer to stay. Joorabchian is aware of City's interest in Tevez – and their keenness to conclude a quick deal - but has informed them that he will not hold talks until after the international programme has finished and, also, he has concluded negotiations with United. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...rlos-Tevez.html

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with Xabi Alonso The Liverpool Daily Post says Liverpool "are bracing themselves for a imminent official bid from Real Madrid for Alonso" following Florentino Perez's re-election as Pesident as "it is now only a matter of time before Real Madrid’s interest in the player is made formal". Rafa was quick to deny the claims in reports from Spain yesterday suggesting a £23m deal had already been agreed for Alonso, with defender Gabriel Heinze coming the other way in part-exchange. Rafa said “The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward." Alvaro Negredo The Daily Mail reports that in its story claiming that a deal had been done for Alonso, Spanish newspaper Sport also claimed that Liverpool wanted striker Alvaro Negredo as part of the Alonso deal, but the £13m price-tag quoted was "too much for Liverpool as they would prefer the cash to target Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry". Transfer window open: 1 July - 5pm 31 August Deals can be done before 1 July, but a player can only move to his new team when the window is open

According to the Times Real Madrid confirmed last night that Florentino Pérez has returned to the club as president after the three other candidates for the post pulled out. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6401523.ece

I think the Heinze link is just lazy journalism because we tried to sign him when he left Man Utd - I can't see Rafa being in for him now as we have bought Dossena & Insua has developed further - even if we sell Dossena, we still don't need Heinze as we will have Aurelio & Insua, as well as Gareth Barry to provide decent cover if we sign him

Thanks

Even if Owen was injury free & he was willing to accept a squad role (& that's 2 big ifs), I still wouldn't want him because he usually needs a run of games before he starts scoring again when he's been out for a while & We need someone who can come in for Fernando & hit the ground running. Ideally I would also like the back up striker to be able to play alongside Fernando if we want/need to go 2 up top & I can't see Owen & Fernando working as a partnership.

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with Carlos Tevez The Sunday People claims Man Utd are "reluctant to pay" the £25m asking price for Tevez & "are lining up a £15m bid for Real Madrid striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar "as a replacement for Tevez". Man City are "ready to offer" the £25m for Tevez, who wants to stay in the Permier League, & have "opened up talks with Joorabchian", while Liverpool, along with Chelsea & Spurs, "have also made enquiries". Alex Ferguson "is not confident he will keep Tevez", who "has become frustrated with United's stalling on a [permanent] deal". However, the News of the World claims that Joorabchian actually wants £32m for Tevez & Man City are "happy to meet" his asking price blowing "Liverpool & Chelsea out of the chase". Joorabchian will have a "final meeting" with Utd this week, but is "unlikely" to receive any assurances that Tevez is seen as anything more than a bit-part player, "leaving the way clear for City". Liverpool's bid for Tevez "was the lowest offer received". According to the Sunday Mirror Liverpool are "unable to meet the £25.5m price" for Tevez, but the club could be about to receive an improved summer transfer budget as Hicks & Gillett are "on the verge" of agreeing a refinancing deal. Gareth Barry The News of the World claims Man City "are confident their financial clout will get them" Barry, who they will offer £90,000 a week to see off Liverpool, Arsenal & Spurs. "Liverpool felt they were in pole position after their abortive attempt to land Barry last summer", but they are unable to match Man City's wealth. However, Barry, who is rated at £10m, "could yet decide he values Champions League football over money". The Sunday People claims Spurs want to sign Barry, but that "a switch to Arsenal or Man City remains more likely". Glen Johnson The Sunday Mail claims that Johnson "is ready to join" Spurs, but "will seek assurances from Portsmouth's prospective new owners" before he decides his future this summer as he could "be tempted to stay", according to a "source", if the new owners are prepared "to invest & put together a really good team". Javi Martinez The Sunday Mirror reports that Athletic Bilbao midfielder Martinez, who "has been touted as a possible replacement should Xabi Alonso leave Anfield", "has issued a 'come-and-get-me' plea to Liverpool". Martinez said "Liverpool are a great team with a great history & any player would like to go there. If I receive an offer, I will deal with it with the club." Michael Owen The Sunday People claims that "senior" Liverpool players want Rafa to re-sign Owen, ahead of Everton & Spurs who "are both watching Owen's situation closely". Adam Johnson The BBC Gossip Column reports that according to the Sunday Express Liverpool are "chasing" Middlesbrough winger Johnson. Stephane Sessegnon The News of the World claims that Liverpool & Chelsea are "set to do battle" for £12m-rated PSG midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, who has refused to commit his future to the French club. Brede Hangeland Sky Sports reports that Fulham central defender Hangeland, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, has said he hopes to agree a new contract with Fulham & "then I'll stay here for a long time". Transfer window open: 1 July - 5pm 31 August Deals can be done before 1 July, but a player can only move to his new team when the window is open

& then he decided to stay before Chelsea made another bid I think, so we didn't ever accept a bid from them (although I'm pretty certain we would have if they had met our asking price) I'm pretty sure although he said he wanted to leave he didn't actually hand in a formal transfer request & the club asked him to so, which helped trigger his change of heart

For those mentioning Bassong he apparently only has a year left on his contract, despite Newcastle only signing him last summer, & is 'only' on £5,000 a week However, Shearer has apparently advised the Newcastle board not to sell Bassong for under £15m http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ma...bastien-bassong

From the Echo today........... Liverpool FC in profit - but debt almost doubles May 30 2009 by Tony Barrett LIVERPOOL Football Club’s debts have almost doubled to £86m according to its latest financial results, despite returning to profit following losses the previous year. The club’s annual accounts will reveal a pre-tax profit of £10.2m for the year to July 31, 2008, an improvement on the previous year’s loss of £21.7m. However, the accounts will also show that net debt soared from £44m to £86m during the same period, despite an increase in revenue across the board. The results are due to be posted with Companies House by today in keeping with UK company law and though both revenue and profits show clear growth the increasing level of debt will be a concern to Liverpool’s fans. Turnover has shot up from £133.9m in the previous year to £159.1m mainly as a result of the lucrative TV deal which the Premier League secured with leading broadcasters Sky and the BBC. But with matchday and commercial income both also having gone up it is clear that Liverpool’s revenue streams are on an upward curve. The club’s net spending on players went up from £22m to £28m due to the recruitment of Javier Mascherano, Diego Cavalieri, Andrea Dossena, David Ngog and Robbie Keane. The net spend does not reflect the full transfer fees agreed with other clubs in transfer deals, it merely shows the initial outlay and downpayments made to secure the transfers. The sales of Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Momo Sissoko brought in £24m and the net value of Liverpool’s squad soared from £100m in the previous year to £130m. Interestingly, the report also reveals that owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett injected £58m into the club. The ECHO understands that £12m of this was used towards player acquisitions while the bulk of it was provided according to the refinancing agreement secured with the Royal Bank of Scotland in February 2007. Hicks and Gillett are due to refinance again next month but sources indicate they are likely to be given a six-month extension to their current loan arrangement. Meanwhile, Liverpool have stepped up their search for a replacement for outgoing chief executive Rick Parry. Recruitment specialists Odgers Berndtson have been appointed to head hunt Parry’s successor and they have now placed an advertisement on their official website as they look for the right person to fill the role. According to the advert, a "significant package" is available to the successful candidate as Hicks and Gillett look for someone who can "give outstanding leadership and clear direction to the club through its next phase of development, ensuring it performs exceptionally both on and off the field". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-23746629/

From the Rumour Mill in the Liverpool Daily Post yesterday............. Aguero linked with move Atlético Madrid are set to more than double their money as they prepare to offload Sergio Agüero to either Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City, a football website has reported. Barcelona are also interested but Los Colchoneros' president, Enrique Cerezo, will not sell to another Spanish club. "[barca president Juan] Laporta already knows, we will not sell," the Atletico supremo said. Zezinho deal agreed Liverpool have beaten Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea to the signature of Brazil Under-17 superstar Zezinho, according to reports in South America. The two footed attacking midfielder can play anywhere down the left side, and was one of the stars of the Under-17 Championships that Brazil won. Zezinho is currently plying his trade in Brazil’s second division with Juventude, but he has been monitored by some of the biggest club’s in Europe, including Barcelona and Real Madrid in addition to the Premier League’s ‘Top Four’. Fernández targetted by Benitez Reports from Spain suggest Arsenal and Liverpool have entered the race to sign Chile international Matías Fernández. Bolton Wanderers have made already made a bid for the Villarreal star and Blackburn Rovers have made their interest in the player known, according to the player's agent. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has a €50m release clause in his contract but, as none of the interested clubs are prepared to pay that amount, he's expected to be sold for much less. Adam Johnson rumours grow Arsenal are believed to be the latest Premier League club to show an interest in Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, according to reports, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also said to be tracking the Boro flier. 21-year-old Johnson came through the youth system at the Riverside Stadium to make his Premiership debut against the Gunners in 2005. The winger’s performances for Middlesbrough this term attracted attention from La Liga giants Real Madrid in the January transfer window, with Johnson likely to depart the North East this summer following Boro’s relegation to the Championship. Dossena linked with Juventus move Juventus are considering a bid for Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena. The left-sided defender was included in Marcello Lippi's Italy squad and Sportsmediaset says Juve are now weighing up making an offer to bring him back home. The full-back struggled to adapt to life on Merseyside, but scored some crucial goals for the Reds as the season progressed. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-23744765/

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with Xabi Alonso The Times reports that Florentino Pérez, whose election as Real Madrid's president "is a formality", "expects" to complete a deal to sign Alonso "for about £19m", although Liverpool "have not yet been approached". Rafa "is fiercely opposed to selling Alonso" even though "he is discussing a renewed bid to sign Gareth Barry", but Alonso "is understood to be tempted by a move to Madrid, having been hurt by the club's attempt to sell him to Juventus last summer". Gareth Barry The Birmingham Mail reports that Aston Villa "are braced for renewed interest [in Barry] from Liverpool & other clubs" & that Villa manager Martin O’Neill "admits there have already been informal approaches". However, Barry is "expected to wait until after England’s World Cup qualifiers...next month before considering his next move". Stewart Downing The Daily Star states that Middlesbrough Chairman Steve Gibson has confirmed there is "an unspoken agreement" that if a top-4 club comes in for Downing, who has been linked with Liverpool, Boro "wouldn’t stand in his way". Adam Johnson Sky Sports claims that Liverpool are "keeping close tabs on" Boro winger Johnson, along with Arsenal & Man Utd, although Chelsea & Spurs "are understood to be leading the chase", while Atletico & Real Madrid "are also monitoring his situation". Boro "could be tempted to sell" Johnson this summer as he has just 12 months left on his current deal & has rejected Boro's offer of a new contract & Boro will only get compensation if he leaves next summer without siging a new deal & they are unlikely to raise any funds through the sale of Stewart Downing during this transfer window due to his injury. David Wheater Sky Sports report that Boro boss Gareth Southgate says he is "absolutely delighted" that Wheater "has publicly stated his commitment to the club for next season", indicating that the defender, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, is likely to stay at the club. Gabriel Heinze The Daily Mirror claims that Liverpool are "on alert" after Heinze was told he can leave Real Madrid for £4m this summer. Zezinho Sky Sports report that the president of Brazilian club Juventude has confirmed that Liverpool have enquired about Zezinho, but that no deal has been agreed. Transfer window open: 1 July - 5pm 31 August Deals can be done before 1 July, but the player can only move to his new team when the window is open

Especially when Barrett said on 20 May "Contrary to reports, Liverpool have made no offer for unsettled Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez". http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...252-23670427/2/

I think he's only got a year left on his contract & hasn't signed a new one He may want to leave as he was apparently very unhappy earlier in the season when Scolari wasn't picking him regularly & may have become disillusioned with the managerial merry go round at Stamford Bridge Chelsea may be prepared to sell him if he's not going to sign a new contract & given he was injured for most of this season & given Malouda's form in the 2nd half od the season & if the reports that they are buying Zhirkov are correct Think this not selling to us thing was more a Mourinho thing than a Chelsea thing to be honest, but if Cole says he only wants to come to us.............. Could see him being available for about £12m if he doesn't sign a new contract & Chelsea are willing to sell him

Premier League or FA has apparently said has to be a permanent deal

He hasn't - he's got one year left on his current deal & hasn't signed a new one yet Could be a good option for 1 of the 3 behind Torres & would offer more creativity than Kuyt or Riera against the teams that 'park the bus'

Short interview with Pranjic about the Liverpool links http://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,237...6&ssvPage=1

The last candidate standing against Perez in the Real Madrid presidential election has withdrawn - unless anothe candidate stands & puts up a €57.4million (£50m) bank guarantee before Sunday (31 May) Perez will be confirmed as the new Real president on Monday http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5353240,00.html

Telegraph this morning says Rafa "is likely to offer new terms" to Arbeloa & Reina http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...until-2013.html

A round-up of today's transfer speculation from the mainstream media concerning us & players we have recently been linked with Xabi Alonso The Times claims Real Madrid could beat Chelsea in a race to sign Alonso "as Liverpool look to raise money to fund a renewed bid for Gareth Barry". Carlos Tevez The Times says it "has learnt" that 5 "leading clubs", including Liverpool, have agreed to pay the £25m needed to sign Tevez. The article says the other 4 clubs are made up of 2 English & 2 foreign teams, including Man City & Real Madrid. The Times believes Tevez’s future "is expected to be resolved in days", but says he "seems to have decided that he has played his last game [for Man Utd]". The Independent says Man Utd "face the very real prospect of losing Tevez", with his representatives saying they "consider his departure from Old Trafford to be inevitable" even after the recent comments of Man Utd's Chief Exec David Gill. The article says that privately Man Utd "feel the balance of probabilities is leaning towards him leaving the club – possibly for Manchester City or Liverpool". Transfer window open: 1 July - 5pm 31 August Deals can be done before 1 July, but the player can only move to his new team when the window is open

From the Daily Telegraph this morning........ Benítez is eager for the club to move quickly to secure his summer transfer targets. The Liverpool manager will have around £30 million to spend, plus whatever he can raise from the sale of players such as Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena, although it is doubtful that he will have enough to land all four of his principal targets. Moves are afoot to persuade Carlos Tévez, the United striker, to Anfield, although the Argentinian would cost £25 million, while it might take around £20 million to prise David Silva, the Spain playmaker, from Valencia. Gareth Barry, the Aston Villa midfield player, and Glen Johnson, the Portsmouth defender, would each cost between £10 million and £12 million. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6382123.ece

From Sky Sports............... Masch dismisses Barca reports Argentine happy at Anfield amidst transfer rumours Last updated: 28th May 2009 Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists he is not about to quit Anfield to join Barcelona. The Argentine has become a vital part of manager Rafa Benitez's plans since joining the Merseysiders on a five-year contract in 2007. That form is reported to have caught the eye of Barca, but Mascherano is unaware of any interest from the UEFA Champions League winners. The 24-year-old angered Benitez at the start of May after confessing he was unsure over his long-term future, but he now has no doubts. "I still have three years on my contract with Liverpool and I am happy there," he told TyC Sports. "I am comfortable and thinking only of Liverpool. I don't know anything about an approach from Barcelona or any other club." Meanwhile, Mascherano has reiterated his desire for Liverpool to sign compatriot Carlos Tevez. The forward's future is in question as he has comes to the end of his loan at Manchester United, who are reluctant to pay a quoted price of around £25million. "I hope we can count on him," Mascherano told Radio La Red. "Because of the type of player Carlos is, he would be great for us. "However, it will be a tough fight because so many clubs are interested in him." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5353082,00.html

Yes he would get frustrated because Xavi & Ineista would hold on to the ball for too long That's what happens for Spain anyway