GWistooshort

From the Sky Sports website...................... City's striker frustration City fail to land top trio on deadline day Last updated: 3rd September 2008 Sky Sports News understands Manchester City failed in a transfer deadline day swoop for Liverpool's Fernando Torres. City's new investors The Abu Dhabi United Group are believed to have made a £50million offer for Torres before the close of the transfer window. City's new billionaire owner Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim has ambitious plans for the club and says money will be no object in their pursuit of the world's best players. The Eastlands outfit broke the British transfer record to sign Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea in a sensational swoop and reports suggest they tried to land Torres with an even bigger offer. However, Liverpool are believed to have rebuffed their overtures with the club keen to keep the Spanish international at Anfield. City are also believed to have made offers for Ajax star Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy before the close of the transfer window. Reports emanating from Spain suggest Real Madrid turned down "blank cheque" for former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy. Ajax have confirmed they fielded some offers for Huntelaar before the transfer deadline and now the Holland international has revealed a mystery club were willing to pay him big money to join them. Huntelaar, whose future at Ajax has been the subject of intense speculation all summer, admitted he was glad the transfer window was closed so that he could concentrate his focus on Ajax. Turned down "A second rank club from Europe was very serious and wanted to pay me a lot of money," Huntelaar told NU Sport. "But Ajax had no time to find a good replacement for me, so I understand the offer was turned down. "I'm glad that the transfer market is now closed. "On Monday, I was constantly informed of developments, but I will now remain at Ajax and that gives me peace." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4090567,00.html

From the Sky Sports website...................... City's striker frustration City fail to land top trio on deadline day Last updated: 3rd September 2008 Sky Sports News understands Manchester City failed in a transfer deadline day swoop for Liverpool's Fernando Torres. City's new investors The Abu Dhabi United Group are believed to have made a £50million offer for Torres before the close of the transfer window. City's new billionaire owner Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim has ambitious plans for the club and says money will be no object in their pursuit of the world's best players. The Eastlands outfit broke the British transfer record to sign Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea in a sensational swoop and reports suggest they tried to land Torres with an even bigger offer. However, Liverpool are believed to have rebuffed their overtures with the club keen to keep the Spanish international at Anfield. City are also believed to have made offers for Ajax star Klass-Jan Huntelaar and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy before the close of the transfer window. Reports emanating from Spain suggest Real Madrid turned down "blank cheque" for former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy. Ajax have confirmed they fielded some offers for Huntelaar before the transfer deadline and now the Holland international has revealed a mystery club were willing to pay him big money to join them. Huntelaar, whose future at Ajax has been the subject of intense speculation all summer, admitted he was glad the transfer window was closed so that he could concentrate his focus on Ajax. Turned down "A second rank club from Europe was very serious and wanted to pay me a lot of money," Huntelaar told NU Sport. "But Ajax had no time to find a good replacement for me, so I understand the offer was turned down. "I'm glad that the transfer market is now closed. "On Monday, I was constantly informed of developments, but I will now remain at Ajax and that gives me peace." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4090567,00.html

It's in a different article, which says "don’t be surprised if the chase [by Liverpool for Gareth Barry] resumes nearer the January transfer window, when Barry will be available at a greatly reduced price". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21662311/

I heard he'd forgotten to charge the battery the night before

£135m for Ronaldo is a direct quote from the guy who fronted the Man City takeover on behalf of the Abu Dhabi sheikh “Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious,” al-Fahim said. “Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160 million [about £90 million], but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more - I would think $240 million. But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.” http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4663849.ece

Seriously though we shouldn't sell Torres or Gerrard no matter what the price. We'd be selling 2 of our best players, 2 world class players, which would have a major impact on our strength on the pitch. We'd also be sending out the wrong message, both inside the club & to those outside the club, about our ambitions. We'd be acknowledging that every one of our players has their price & inviting other s to come & cherry-pick the best of the rest - Mascherano, Reina, etc etc. So in footballing terms it would be a very bad move, both on & off the pitch. & it would mean that Hicks & Gillett stick aorund for longer Providing prices don't become inflated as a result of Man City's spending

Couldn't we just sell Man City Voronin & Itandje instead??????

The Daily Telegraph this morning says Man City made a late inquiry about Torres before the transfer window closed on Monday! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html While several papers report that Man City's new owners have confirmed that Torres is among their targets http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...anchesterunited

Ian Doyle in this morning's Liverpool Daily Post has confirmed that Arsenal did make another inquiry about Xabi's availability on the last day of the transfer window, but was told he was not for sale before any offer was made because Rafa "had no intention of weakening his midfield without any reinforcement lined up". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21662309/

Few more dribbles of transfer info seeping out in the papers today........... Man City's new owners have confirmed that Torres is among their targets http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...anchesterunited In fact, Man City made a late inquiry about Torres before the transfer window closed! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Arsenal made another inquiry about the availability of Xabi Alonso on Monday, but was told he was not for sale before any offer was made because Rafa "had no intention of weakening his midfield without any reinforcement lined up". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21662309/ Ian Doyle in this morning's Liverpool Daily Post says "don’t be surprised if the chase [by Liverpool for Gareth Barry] resumes nearer the January transfer window, when Barry will be available at a greatly reduced price". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21662311/

Don't think that's right - this morning's papers were reporting a fee, ranging from £1m to meaning the fee for Riera was only £5.5m (valuing Finnan at £2.5m if the talk of £8m for Riera before Finnan was counted is correct)

Tony Barrett in today's Echo says "The only disappointment for Benitez [yesterday] was Jermaine Pennant’s failure to agree terms with Blackburn, causing the proposed £4m transfer to collapse". http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21655754/

The morning after wash-up from today's papers, posted here cos the transfer thread in the LFC forum is closed............ Albert Riera "cost Liverpool an initial £5.5m after Steve Finnan moved in the opposite direction. Liverpool had agreed a fee of almost £8m [for Riera], but a complex transfer ended with the Anfield club paying considerably less. It is understood the deal includes a sizable sell-on fee to Espanyol should Riera be sold during his 4-year contract http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...l.premierleague The delay in the Riera deal was due to a disagreement over the valuation of Finnan, although the Riera deal was "not dependent upon Finnan joining Espanyol". http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=82 Liverpool have negotiated a deal for Riera "that will see them pay an initial £5.5m fee with Espanyol set to receive a significant slice of any sell-on fee". Hertha Berlin "will not have to pay a loan fee" for Andriy Voronin, but "have agreed to take on full payment of the player’s wages". Blackburn Rovers failed yesterday in a bid for Jermaine Pennant. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21652346/ Everton yesterday "inquired about Pennant, who rejected the chance to move to Stoke City for £5m". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...tercity.chelsea Arsenal "were last night desperately trying to sign Xabi Alonso before the transfer window closed after submitting an improved offer, thought to be around £14m". http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...nso-915884.html

The Independent this morning reckons Arsenal made an improved offer of around £14m for Xabi yesterday............ Arsenal in last-gasp attempt to capture Alonso By Jason Burt and Michael Walker Tuesday, 2 September 2008 Arsenal were last night desperately trying to sign Xabi Alonso before the transfer window closed after submitting an improved offer, thought to be around £14m, for the Spanish international midfielder. Earlier the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, had insisted Alonso was not for sale but it is understood that he was always prepared to do a deal if his valuation was met. The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, who rejected Cardiff City's attempt to take Aaron Ramsay back on loan, has played a delicate game of brinkmanship in trying to secure Alonso, whom he wants to partner Cesc Fabregas in central midfield. Wenger regards the 26-year-old as a player who can add the experience and steel which have been missing from his team. A bid of £12m was rejected last month as Wenger hoped to capitalise on Liverpool's attempts to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...nso-915884.html

Cos he didn't want to put any debt on the club

The official site says, in its article confirming Finnan's departure, that we signed him on a free transfer - I thought we paid about £3.5m http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080901-2023.htm Have they cocked up & we actually let him go on a free?

Espanayol explaining why they went for Finnan............... Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera said Finnan was just the club needed after seeing Pablo Zabareta depart for Manchester City last week. "He brings balance to the right side. He doesn't make mistakes, gives good passes, defends well and is correct in everything he does," he said. "He is always worth a 'seven' in ratings, he doesn't call attention to himself, but the coach and the squad will appreciate him." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/7592497.stm

Quaresma has joined Inter for £15m http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_4082709,00.html

Liverpool FC D-day over Albert Riera Sep 1 2008 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo RAFA BENITEZ was today facing D-Day in his bid to recruit Albert Riera - a signing which the Reds boss believes will add a whole new dimension to his side. Benitez was awaiting the completion of paperwork to complete Riera’s transfer from Espanyol to Liverpool as the clock ticked down on the transfer window. The former Manchester City winger has passed his medical and a fee in the region of £8m has been agreed, so the deal was expected to be completed before the window closes at midnight. Riera is Liverpool’s only target for today as Benitez attempts to put the finishing touches to his squad with the limited budget available to him. The Reds’ urgent need for added width was again apparent yesterday as they struggled to create any real chances in a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Benitez believes the signing of Riera would add a new dimension and wants the proposed transfer wrapped up at the earliest possible opportunity. He said: “The deal for Riera is nearly done. I have confidence that it will. It can improve us and give us a bit of balance.” Steve Finnan could figure in the deal which brings Riera to Anfield after Espanyol expressed an interest in taking the right back to Spain. The Republic of Ireland international is ready to quit Anfield after being told he no longer figures in Benitez’s plans. Jermaine Pennant has informed his agent, Sky Andrew, that he does not want to sign for Premier League newcomers Stoke who are keen to snap him up for around £4m. Stoke’s interest has not faded but they also face competition from two other clubs for Pennant. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21647566/

They sure are: "Rafael Benitez will be hoping to secure the signature of Spanish winger Albert Riera before the day is out while we will also endeavour to keep you informed of any potential departures from the Reds' squad." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080901-0847.htm

ah ha the new Leto

As is today's Liverpool Daily Post............... http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21645412/

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers.................... Rafa "expects to complete the £8m capture of Espanyol winger Albert Riera today". http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ury-914666.html Rafa said yesterday “We are hoping the deal [for Riera] can be completed soon”. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Rafa yesterday "denied suggestions that Albert Riera's proposed £8m move from Espanyol has not gone through due to a lack of funds at Anfield" & "insisted the deal would proceed before tonight's midnight deadline". Rafa said "I hope it will be done. We are still working on the deal & I am confident. It is really close &, in terms of bringing players in, he will be the only one if we can finish the deal." Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill "indicated he expects Liverpool to renew their interest in [Gareth Barry] when the January window opens". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/se...l.premierleague Rafa "expects to conclude the £8 million signing of Albert Riera from Espanyol today" adding "that he does not have to sell a player to fund the deal". He also "confirmed that Xabi Alonso will remain at Anfield – despite reports that Arsenal may make a bid today". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4649047.ece Riera is "expected to tie up a move to Anfield today for a fee believed to be in the region of £8m". Rafa said yesterday "The deal for Riera is nearly done. We are waiting & hopefully it will be done. I have confidence that it will. It is nearly done. We are in contact with Espanyol. Maybe it not done yet because it was the weekend. I also think that Alonso will be staying." http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/...la_Benitez.html Rafa "expects Riera to complete his £9m move today" & has also "refused to rule out further signings in the final few hours of the transfer window". The Riera deal "has been delayed while [Espanyol] ponder including Steve Finnan as part of the deal" & they will decide today. Finnan "is free to find a new club before the close of the transfer window today, as are Jermaine Pennant – set for a switch to Stoke – & Andriy Vorornin". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21645412/ The £12m transfer of Riera to Liverpool is "almost a certainty" & Espanyol "say a deal is in place". Stoke are willing to pay £4m for Jermaine Pennant. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Jermaine Pennant "has been warned by Rafael Benitez that he will be left in Liverpool’s reserves if he does not agree to join Stoke". Rafa "has told Pennant he has no future at Anfield". Stoke "are prepared to meet Liverpool’s price of £5m, but Pennant has stalled the deal by demanding £50,000 a week wages". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...oop-winger.html Middlesborough manager Gareth Southgate has claimed there has been no official approach from Liverpool for Stewart Downing & "was adamant [Downing] would not be leaving". Boro chairman Steve Gibson said "Downing, in particular, is consistently speculated about & it’s quite unsettling". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...r-deadline.html Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has been linked with Xabi Alonso in previous articles, is hoping to sign Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7591213.stm