GWistooshort

I could be wrong, of course! Could have been during the Jan transfer window, when there was talk of other teams being interested in Sammi

A few more transfer snippets from today's papers concerning us or players we have been linked with previously............ The Liverpool Daily Post says Carlos Tevez "is among several players Benitez is tracking as he contemplates his summer squad strengthening programme" http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-23709323/ According to the Guardian Rumour Mill Rafa will renew his pursuit of Gareth Barry, although Man City are also interested, & will battle with Arsenal for Yoann Gourcuff, which "could involve a record transfer fee". It also claims he might sign Jonas Gutierrez from Newcastle. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ma...-scolari-celtic The Daily Mail claims Liverpool have been keeping tabs on the progress of FC Twente's 20-year-old Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, as have Man Utd. But the paper claims Chelsea have had a £12m offer accepted for the player, after Inter Milan's offer of £10m was rejected. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...Arnautovic.html Arsenal have made an £8m move for Fulham's Brett Hangeland, according to the Daily Mirror http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-21389216/

I think there was quite a few articles several months ago linking him with us "Widely touted" is over-egging the pudding tho'

Daily Star 26th May 2009 SPURS, CITY IN BARRY BATTLE By Danny Fullbrook MANCHESTER City and Spurs are in a £12m head-to-head battle for Gareth Barry. Barry is set to quit Aston Villa after the club failed to qualify for Champions League football next season, and he is wanted by both Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp. The 28-year-old would prefer a move to either Liverpool or Arsenal – but at the moment neither club are showing interest in the England midfielder. City would easily splash the cash for Barry and double the £45,000-a-week-deal he is currently on. Hughes wants to rebuild his side and knows that he needs characters and players he can rely on. Redknapp has always been an admirer of Barry and nearly bought him for Portsmouth a couple of seasons ago for £5m. He would not be able to match the wages that City can offer, but Spurs’ bright finish to the campaign could entice Barry. But Villa manager Martin O’Neill will still do everything he can to keep his senior star if a Champions League team does not make a bid. He has repeatedly said he could understand Barry leaving if one of the big four again made a move for him, but unless that happens he will try and persuade him to sign a new deal. Kop boss Rafa Benitez is still unsure as to whether to make another bid for Barry, but his hand might be forced if Xabi Alonso insists on quitting Merseyside. Real Madrid have shown interest in the Spanish midfielder and there was speculation over the weekend that the former Real Sociedad star will put in a written transfer request. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/8...n-Barry-battle/

From Sky Sports................ Turner commits to Tigers Defender has no desire to leave KC Stadium Last updated: 26th May 2009 Michael Turner insists he has no desire to secure a summer move away from Hull City. The commanding centre-half enjoyed an eye-catching debut season in the Premier League last year as he helped the Tigers preserve their top flight status. Despite finding himself embroiled in a relegation battle towards the latter stages of the campaign, Turner consistently maintained a high level of performance. He is believed to have caught the eye of England manager Fabio Capello, while Liverpool are said to be admirers of his considerable talent. A big-money move to Anfield has been widely touted, but the 25-year-old is adamant his future remains at the KC Stadium. "Earlier in the season I signed a four-year deal and that says it all," commented Turner. "I've been desperate for this club to stay up and having done that it's a great achievement. "This club wants to really push on from here and become an established Premier League side and I want to be part of that." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5348674,00.html

Some quotes from Rafa about summer transfers from the Liverpool Daily Post today.......... "the transfer market will be difficult. There will be many clubs trying to get the very best prices for their players and things may not happen quickly. We know players we want to sign but that depends on money and other clubs. This is now a challenge for all of us, to make that next step, to get closer to the title. We made some mistakes this season, the home draws. Next time we must avoid those mistakes.” http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...534-23709326/2/

From Sky Sports............... Silva insists he is staying put Valencia midfielder not interested in Real rumours Last updated: 25th May 2009 David Silva has committed his immediate future to Valencia as he continues to be linked with a move from the Mestella. The 23-year-old midfielder is reported to be the top target for Real Madrid's presidential election favourite Florentino Perez. But the Spain international, who signed a new seven-year deal with Valencia last summer that runs until 2013, insists he has no desire to leave the club. Los Che have missed out on a Champions League spot following defeats at Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, which Silva missed with a thigh injury. The Euro 2008 winner claims his sole concern is getting fit for the final game of the season, though, rather than seeking a summer move elsewhere. "I have to be focused first on recovering to be able to help my team and I'm not thinking of anything else," he said. "I don't know anything about the rumours and I insist that I have a contract with Valencia that I wish to fulfil." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_5347891,00.html

Although Rafa did say when asked after the Spurs game whether Xabi would be a Liverpool player next season: "Xabi has three years on his contract and we're really pleased with him. We do not want to sell. He is not for sale. He says he's happy here in Liverpool. He says it to you in every single interview and press conference. "We have some ideas for the summer without losing any key players. "We want to keep key players, the spine of the team. If we want to do business we can do it with other players. It's not a question of selling players we don't want to sell." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...090524-1909.htm

Definitely don't think Silva could fill in at centre forward for Fernando & not sure that Villa is that effective anywhere else but centre forward

In some footage or pic I've seen today Stevie was standing just off to the right applauding I thought it was in the footage on the official site, but it wasn't - probably from last night's MOTD then

I'd say it's more likely to be Euros, given that's what's in the main text of the article

From the Rumour Mill in the Liverpool Daily Post today............... Lavezzi agent claims £22m Liverpool bid LIVERPOOL are reported to have put in a bid for Ezequiel Lavezzi - the Napoli striker - according to the player's agent Alejandro Mazzoni. Mazzoni has apparently insisted that the Reds have approached him with a €22 million offer to take the 24-year-old to Anfield. However, Napoli are said to be suspicious of Mazzoni’s claims and have demanded an official document proving Liverpool’s offer, before deciding whether to open talks with the Reds. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-23706619/

Really? "Voronin was informed that he would not be required in the 2009/10 campaign" http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5347794,00.html

Some more stats from the Guardian............. 942 – The final goal tally was the second lowest in Premier League history. 14 – Manchester United set a new record of 14 consecutive clean sheets between November 2008 and February 2009. 22 – Liverpool have recouped the most points from losing positions this season. 23 – Sunderland dropped the most points from winning positions this season. (Just for Knox) 117 – Kevin Davies conceded the most fouls this season. He has topped this ranking in five of the last six seasons. 248 – Chelsea fired in the most shots on target this season. 24 – Manchester United kept the most clean sheets. 50 – United had the best home record picking up 50 points. 44 – Chelsea had the best away record winning 44 points. 57 – Frank Lampard had more shots on target than any other player. 10 – Lampard and Robin van Persie were joint-top of the assists ranking. 80% - Mark Schwarzer of Fulham was the league's best shot-stopper saving 80% of shots on target faced. 1 – Middlesbrough scored fewer headed goals than any other team. 7 – Bolton conceded more headed goals than any other side. 19% – of the goals Arsenal conceded came from outside the box – the highest proportion in the top flight. 10 – Hull scored the most goals from corners. 34 – Manchester City have used more players than any other team in the league this season. 21 – Aston Villa have called upon the least amount of players in the league this season. 10 – Bolton scored 10 goals from free-kicks – the most in the division. 51% – Hull scored the highest percentage of their goals from set plays. 20% – Spurs scored the lowest percentage of goals from set pieces. 12 – Hull conceded 12 goals from corners – a league high. 38% – Everton conceded the highest proportion of goals from set-plays. 21% – Fulham conceded the lowest percentage of goals from set-plays . 9 – Spurs, Manchester United and Liverpool all had nine goals scored by substitutes – a joint-league high. 61 – Aston Villa used the fewest substitutes. 109 – Hull, Stoke and Liverpool made the most substitutions. 26 – Manchester United have used the most number of players as substitutes. 3 – Liverpool have the most players who have accrued 10 or more goals this season. 7 –Liverpool had more opponents sent -off than any other side in the top division. 15% – Aston Villa were the league's most clinical teams scoring with 15% of their shots. 8% – Wigan had the worst conversion rate in the top division. 81% - Chelsea were the most accurate passers this term. 33% - One third of all goals scored this season came from set-plays. 8 – Eight different Liverpool players scored with shots from outside the box. 0 – Liverpool were the only team not to suffer a home defeat in the Premier League . 30 – Liverpool garnered 30 points against their north west rivals. 77 – Liverpool were the league's top scorers with 77 goals. 6 – Jamie Carragher and Richard Dunne now hold the Premier League record for own goals with six apiece. 86 – Liverpool's total of 86 points is their best ever haul in Premier League history. 2 – Liverpool became the first team in top-flight history to lose only two games and not win the title. 86 – Liverpool's tally of 86 points is the highest of any team not winning the league in a 38-game Premier League season. 82 – Stewart Downing had more shots (including blocked attempts) than any other player who did not score. 110 – Liverpool allowed their opponents fewer shots on target than any other team. 61 – Djibril Cisse was caught offside more than any other player. 4 – Andrey Arshavin was the first player to score four goals in a Premier League and not end on the winning side. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ma...-100-statistics

One of my favourites............

Rafa went on to say, which was not included in the ITV story that Magic8Ball posted: "We want to keep key players, the spine of the team. If we want to do business we can do it with other players. It's not a question of selling players we don't want to sell." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...090524-1909.htm

Completely agree with you, was just letting people know who the journo was because I felt it was relevant for the reason given in my earlier post

From the official site............... 28 REASONS WHY REDS SHOULD BE PROUD Paul Eaton 25 May 2009 We all know first place is everything at Anfield, but despite missing out on the Barclays Premier League by the slenderest of margins there are still plenty of reasons why we can look back with pride on our 2008-09 campaign. Whether it be amassing a record points total, leading the goalscoring charts, enjoying our best away form for over one hundred years or completing memorable league doubles over both Manchester United and Chelsea, the past nine months have provided numerous reasons why we can look forward to the new campaign with hopes and expectations high. We may not have ended the season as champions of England this time - but here are 28 reasons why we should feel positive when reflecting on the latest season in our glorious history. The Reds amassed their highest points total ever in the Premier League (86) beating the 82 set in 2005-06. It is our highest in the league since 1987-88. The total of 86 points is more than we needed to clinch 12 of our 18 league titles (all seasons based on three points for a win). We won 14 points against the other members of the ‘Big Four’. It was as many points as we had won against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in the previous three seasons put together. Liverpool scored 77 league goals this season – our best since 1990-91 when we also scored 77, and finished second in the title race to Arsenal. 16 players scored in the league this season – one fewer than the club record set in 1911-12. We finished the campaign with a goal difference of +50 - our best for 21 years when we amassed +63 in 1987-88. The Reds went through a league campaign at Anfield undefeated for the 10th time in their history and for the first time since 1987-88. We extended our unbeaten run of league games at home to 30 – the best run for 28 years and equalled the fourth best sequence in our history. We amassed seven more points than when we last won the title in 1989-90 (then it was 79). We equalled the club record set in 1904-05 by winning 13 away league games. Liverpool amassed 40 away points this season. It equalled the second highest tally in our history which we achieved in 1987-88, 1946-47 and 1904-05 (that season in 2nd Division). The highest total is 42 in 1981-82. It is the highest points tally we have ever totalled away from home in a non-title winning season. (all seasons based on three points for a win) We finished the season averaging 2.26 points per game – the second best ever average in our 94 seasons in the top-flight. The best is 2.33 points in 1978-79 (98 points from 42 games based on 3 pts for a win). We scored at least three goals in five successive league games for the first time since 1987. And we netted at least three goals in six successive games in all competitions for the first time in the club’s history. We only lost two league games this season - our best record since 1987-88 when we also lost twice. That season we drew 12 games but still won the title by nine points from Manchester United. We became the first team ever to lose only two games in a season and not go on to win the league. Chelsea in 2007-08, 2006-07 and Nottingham Forest 1978-79 were all runners-up having lost three games. Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home record with a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. We recorded the club's first league ‘double’ over Chelsea for 19 years. A Yossi Benayoun goal ensured we became only the second English team to win in the Bernabeu. And at Anfield we inflicted upon Real Madrid their biggest ever Champions League defeat as we went goal crazy with a 4-0 win. Overall we sent Madrid crashing to their heaviest two-legged European defeat in the knockout stages for 20 years. We recorded our biggest win at Old Trafford for 72 years. It was also the first time four Liverpool players had scored at United in the same game. Rafael Benitez broke Bill Shankly’s record of 65 European matches as Liverpool manager. The boss also broke Bob Paisley’s record of 40 European wins. Rafa recorded his 100th league win as manager in his 181st game. It was the 3rd quickest ever by a Liverpool manager and 50 games faster than Alex Ferguson. Liverpool have lost only six league games in total in the last two seasons. Manchester United have lost nine. Arsenal have also lost nine and Chelsea eight. Liverpool finished the season as leading scorers in the Premier League. They scored 77 compared to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, who all scored 68. The Reds boast the highest goals per game average of any team in all four divisions in England (1.93 goals per game) and will finish the season as such unless one of the following happens – Manchester United score nine in the Champions League Final or Chelsea score six in the F.A. Cup Final. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...090525-1057.htm

It was written by Alyson Rudd, who is a Liverpool fan, so she shouldn't have any reason to put a negative spin on things I wouldn't have thought

The official site said he was injured - http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...090524-1506.htm If true, his altercation with Carra v West Brom won't have helped matters, I wouldn't have thought

The stories keep coming Daily Mail 25th May 2009 Real lead the chase after Alonso calls time on Liverpool stay By Sportsmail Reporter Real Madrid will step up their attempts to seal an £18m transfer for Xabi Alonso this week after his agent told Liverpool the Spain midfielder wants to leave Anfield. Alonso, 27, came close to joining Juventus for £16m last summer, but has still been one of Liverpool's best performers this season. However, his representative Inaki Ibanez met with manager Rafael Benitez on Friday and confirmed the player is ready to end his five-year stay on Merseyside. Madrid lead the chase for Alonso, who is also attracting interest from Manchester City, but Benitez could look to use him as part of a deal for one of his own transfer targets. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...rpool-stay.html The Times May 25, 2009 From the match report........... "There is no controversy surrounding Hyypia’s departure but plenty of speculation regarding the future of Xabi Alonso. BenÍtez confirmed he has been in talks with the Spain midfield player and his agent but declared that, with three years left on his contract, “he’s not for sale”. BenÍtez denied the need to sell Alonso to raise funds for new blood – “We can manage,” he said – but did not deny that Alonso may have declared he wants to leave Anfield." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6353762.ece

LEE: PAIN WILL DRIVE US ON NEXT SEASON Steve Hunter 25 May 2009 Sammy Lee insists the pain Liverpool feel on finishing runners-up in the Barclays Premier League will inspire them to glory next season. While the assistant boss firmly believes progress has been made this term, he claims that Liverpool Football Club will never accept second best. "We are not 100 per cent happy with what happened this season as there won't be any silverware in front of us when our photo is taken next season," said Lee. "To that extent I'm sure it will spur the lads on. During the close season we will have an opportunity to consider what we need to do to improve and hopefully that will take us on to get some silverware next season. "We have fallen short and we are aware of that. You won't see anyone here celebrating until a trophy is here at Anfield." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...090525-0006.htm

NOTW reckons Mark Hughes has patched up his differences with Micah Richards, who has been suggested on here as a potential transfer target, & that Richards won't be leaving Man City in the summer now http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/3223...h-Richards.html

He sure does............... The Times May 22, 2009 60-second interview: Kevin Day "Is there a football myth you would like to explode? That Liverpool are the friendliest club in the country. The fans are fantastic, but the club is unpleasant and obstructive." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle6346625.ece

Ian Doyle in the Liverpool Daily Post on Friday said Rafa "is already assessing his transfer options with Carlos Tevez, Glen Johnson, David Silva and Gareth Barry all among those the Spaniard has run the rule over". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...92534-23692647/