GWistooshort

Danny Fiszmann, Arsenal director & 2nd largest shareholder, said the other day "If you look at our total wage costs you'll see they're virtually the same as Manchester United and substantially more than Liverpool". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...89520-20430944/

Transfer news/speculation from yesterday........................ [sorry it's late - today's will be here this morning] Rafa "confirmed the deal to sign Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera is close, & he also refused to rule out any more new additions before the transfer window closes". Rafa said "The deal [for Riera] is nearly done & hopefully it will be on Monday. I have confidence. It will be good for us because he is a good player & he will give us balance. In terms of bringing in other players if we can do a deal then we will try." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080831-1858.htm Rafa "is confident that he will tie up the signing of Riera". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2653183/F...--Football.html Reira "should complete the formalities of an £8m transfer tomorrow [Monday]" after undergoing a medical on Friday. Rafa said "Barry is something we cannot change now. We are now concentrating on Riera. We were talking about balance & tactically we needed a left-winger & that is why we were looking for a good player in this position. I knew Barry is not a proper left-winger, but we needed someone with a good left foot with delivery & he can do it. Now Riera can be the solution. He had an average season [for Man City] but City wanted to buy the player & couldn't afford the price. Now it's clear he has more experience, is more mature. All the reports we have from the scouts are good, but also speaking with people in Spain & also team-mates of his they all say he is a very good player." According to the article "Benitez's admission that he would have used Barry to offer balance on the left suggests that if Riera lives up to billing there is only a limited possibility of the deal [for Barry] being resurrected next summer." http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...villa.liverpool Barry "felt frustrated after being assured he was Liverpool's No.1 transfer target only to see them spend £20m on Robbie Keane & then refuse to meet his own £18m price". Barry "is keeping his options open until next summer". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20717214/ Rafa "privately believes that his chances of signing [barry] in the future have disappeared". http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_...-name_page.html Stoke are "closing in" on the £4m signing of Jermaine Pennant as talks "reached an advanced stage last night [saturday]". Pennant "has been frozen out & told in no uncertain terms he has no future under Spanish boss Rafa Benitez" & Stoke manager Tony Pulis is "near to tempting" Pennant to Stoke "ahead of Blackburn". But Stoke’s £2.5m bid for Sami Hyypia has been rejected as has Newcastle's approach, although Hyypia "has been mulling over" Newcastle's offer. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/article19462.ece Liverpool "remain hopeful" Blackburn will make an improved offer for Pennant after their initial £3.5m bid was rejected, although Blackburn are due to have Espanyol winger Valdo, valued at around £3m, watched today [sunday]. Liverpool value Pennant at £4m-£5m. Stoke were "willing to meet the asking price, but Pennant rejected their advances". http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_...-name_page.html Man City midfielder Michael Johnson will "snub" Liverpool & Arsenal by signing a new 5-year deal at City. City boss Mark Hughes said: “It is just a case of dotting the Is & crossing the Ts now.” http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/article20131.ece Inter Milan's president says the club "don't need" Ricardo Quaresma, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, & that he doesn't think Quaresma will arrive, despite manager Jose Mourinho saying he wants to sign the player & Inter & Porto holding talks regarding a deal. "Reports have claimed that the failure to conclude a deal for Quaresma revolves around the inclusion of Pele in any transfer. Porto wanted a lump sum & Pele, while Inter were keen to spread out the cost of the transfer & only loan out [Pele]." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_4073458,00.html

An interesting read................ The Times August 29, 2008 How Fabio Capello sealed deal for England job Gabriele Marcotti Sacked by Real Madrid in June 2007, just 11 days after leading the club to the title, Fabio Capello resolved to wait patiently for the chance to make his long-held dream of becoming England manager a reality. When Steve McClaren was sacked in November after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, the position became vacant, but in early December it seemed as if Capello would be up against a formidable rival for the job - José Mourinho. Capello chose to lie low. He had stated his interest and, for now, there was nothing left to do. He knew that Brian Barwick [the FA chief executive] would be canvassing opinion, taking in different viewpoints and, for now, merely listening. And so the entire Capello family, including sons Pierfilippo and Edoardo, went off to Istanbul for some sightseeing on the Bosphorus. It was there that Pierfilippo received a call from Giovanni Branchini, one of Italy's most high-profile agents. He wasn't working for Capello in any official capacity, but he nevertheless was “in the loop”. “You're going to get a call from someone at the FA in the next half-hour,” Branchini told Pierfilippo. “Keep your phone on.” Sure enough, less than 30 minutes later, Pierfilippo's phone rang and the words “private number” flashed on his mobile. It was Simon Johnson, the FA's director of corporate affairs. He advised Pierfilippo that half a dozen people claiming to represent Capello had been in contact with them. Not wanting to create confusion or be led up blind alleys, they were keen to “cut through the bull****” and speak directly to Capello's camp. Thus, against the wintry backdrop of Istanbul's Hagia Sofia, first contact was made. Pierfilippo was told that, at this stage, there were no more than three or four names left in the running and that Capello was one of them. Was Capello interested? Pierfilippo said that “in principle” he was, but obviously would have to talk about contracts and other details. The voice on the other phone seemed relieved. “OK, then. For the next ten to fifteen days you won't hear from us. Then, once we know what the situation is, we'll call you.” And, just like that, the FA “went dark”. Upon reflection, Capello had no way of knowing whether the voice on the other end of the phone was genuine, beyond the fact that Branchini had told him someone would call. But, at the time, what mattered was that the wheels had started to turn. Mourinho was waiting too. While he made no statements, members of his entourage worked the media, suggesting that the FA needed to “hurry up” because various clubs were on his case. Mourinho, as you do in these situations, was playing his hand, just as Capello, in a different way, was playing his. Capello's camp knew Mourinho was in the driving seat, but also trusted in the fact that the FA would let them make their case before making their decision. Then, just after the FA received Mourinho's “Club England” dossier, Pierfilippo's phone rang again. It was the FA. If you want to come up to London, we'd love to have a chat. Sure enough, Capello was still in the running. The reasons why became even more obvious on Monday afternoon. Mourinho issued a statement on [his agent Jorge] Mendes's website, ruling himself out once and for all. He said that he had had “useful discussions” with Barwick, Sir Trevor Brooking and others about the England job. But, “after deep and serious thinking”, he was placing himself out of the running. The decision not to proceed with Mourinho had, according to a source, been made the evening before. Forty-eight hours elapsed between the moment the FA received Mourinho's “Club England” dossier (assuming the dossier was, in fact, delivered; FA sources would neither confirm nor deny this) and the decision not to proceed. What had prompted the climbdown? Different sources offer different explanations. Some suggest Mourinho only wanted the job under very specific conditions - that he would have those “unprecedented powers” - and the FA simply could not meet his demands. Others maintain that the FA simply looked at the situation and decided to go in a different direction. Still others insist that Capello had never been the second choice, but rather Mourinho and Capello were No1 and No1A on the list. And that it was Capello's experience and enthusiasm for the job that tipped the balance in his favour. Either way, with Mourinho having removed himself from the picture, it didn't take long for the press to shift their sights on to Capello. With rumours that a trip to London was imminent, photographers and spotters were dispatched to each of London's five airports. Any flight from Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo airports in Milan would be scrutinised. Still wishing to elude the press, Capello designed his trip carefully. He would fly from Malpensa to Zurich and then, from there, take a Swiss Air flight to London City Airport. The FA's phone call may have described it as a “chat”, but Capello was under no illusions. This was a full-fledged interview, with a likely black-or-white result. Like those one-off “dates” prior to arranged marriages, it would result in him moving into Soho Square or retreating to the commentary booth. Capello probably knew as much about the English game as any foreign manager who kept abreast of things without ever working or living in England could know, which isn't all that much. In the 72 hours leading up to the meeting, Capello was briefed on what to expect. Branchini painted verbal vignettes of the characters Capello would be meeting: Barwick, of course, as well as his trusted sidekick, Johnson, Adrian Bevington, the FA's head of communications, and Brooking, the director of football development. They tried to figure out what arguments would resonate with each of them, what each FA representative's priorities might be and they tried to anticipate every possible question. They also discussed what the process would entail. Barwick had ensured that he would be the focus of this manager search and that it would be less of a communal affair than previous ones, but, ultimately, he wasn't omnipotent. He had a board to answer to and it would be important to identify and neutralise whatever objections or caveats the other board members might throw at Barwick. Armed with that information, Capello set about putting together a PowerPoint presentation for the FA. Yes, just like a middle-management type flying off to try and impress clients, Capello's camp relied on good ol' PowerPoint. Thus, on Wednesday, December 12, Capello set off from Malpensa, switched flights in Zurich and landed at City Airport just after noon. Whatever spotters were staking out the arrivals lounge evidently didn't notice him (or, more likely, were too intent on flights from Italy) and he easily slipped out and into the waiting car the FA had arranged. From there, the car headed north and west to Wembley. Any fears of a media scrum were swiftly put to rest. When they arrived at Wembley Way, just before 2 o'clock, a couple of photographers were waiting outside, but that was it. Capello, his son Pierfilippo and Diego Rodriguez, his Spanish lawyer, strode in to meet the FA contingent, which, as Branchini predicted, consisted of Barwick, Johnson, Bevington and Brooking. One of the first things that struck the FA was Capello's command of English, which was better than they expected. At Wembley that day Capello listened intently and only on a few occasions did he turn to Pierfilippo to clarify what the FA crew were saying. He expressed himself in English as much as he could, deferring to Pierfilippo for the more complex concepts. The PowerPoint presentation, painstakingly put together in the previous 48 hours, did the rest. It outlined Capello's vision in great detail. It covered scouting, both of English players and opponents, the type of work to be done in training, relations with the media, his assistant's specific duties, how the stays in the pre-match team hotels would be structured, physical preparations, relationships with clubs, medical support, the role of the Under-21 set-up, youth development ... basically every aspect of the job was covered. His meticulous preparation, as well as the way it was presented, enthralled the FA. Barwick was quickly convinced, some of his advisers less so, but they soon came around. Especially because whatever fears they may have had of a “foreign invasion” were soon allayed when Capello's plans for a “mirror system” flashed on the screen during the presentation. For each backroom position occupied by one of Capello's Italian assistants, he envisaged an English “mirror” or “shadow”, who would work alongside them. This won points with the FA. Capello was not coming in with the arrogance of the foreign “Mr Fix-It”. He was not a prophet descended from the heavens to guide a wayward footballing nation towards the light. Rather, he seemed to understand the FA's needs and, especially, how - no matter what anyone says and no matter how much the [sven-Göran] Eriksson experience might have changed some perceptions - England was a proud footballing nation and the appointment of a foreigner was a blow to that collective ego. After several hours of discussion, it became clear that both sides were largely in agreement. Capello had answered the FA's queries to their satisfaction and, just as importantly, had shown himself to be well prepared and proactive. For his part, Capello, of course, knew he wanted the job. But he had gone into the meeting with an open mind, ready to pick up any warning signs that might turn him off. In his mind, he was interviewing them as much as they him. How did they deal with pressure from clubs? How much independence would he have? How much decision-making power did Barwick really have? How did they deal with media intrusion into the England manager's private life? Capello had reached a stage in his life where, if the working conditions weren't right, he didn't need the aggravation. He didn't have to like the FA representatives, but he did have to respect them and truly believe they could provide the right conditions for him. Curiously, the one who most struck a chord with him was Barwick. The Liverpool-born former BBC executive is not photogenic and often comes across as aloof and awkward in public. For a man with a media background, he keeps a relatively low profile and is extremely discreet. Quite the opposite from the bosses that Capello was accustomed to working for. Capello liked Barwick's understated professionalism. But he was also looking for something else, something beyond planning, projects and negotiation, some kind of personal connection. It came in what for Barwick might have seemed a casual line, but which had a profound effect on the Capello camp. “I believe in you.” Those words, tumbling earnestly from Barwick's lips, helped to seal the deal, at least metaphorically, in Capello's mind. The FA had addressed his practical, logistical and technical concerns to his satisfaction. The vibe he got from Barwick spoke to his heart and his soul. It felt right. Shortly thereafter, around 5 o'clock, the meeting was wrapped up. Capello had heard enough, the FA had, too. Capello motioned to Pierfilippo and to Rodriguez and said they would be taking over from here. In those three hours, they had covered everything; all that was left were the financial terms of his contract. He didn't need to be around for that part of the discussion. With that, he made his farewells and set off for Heathrow airport. On Friday morning, Capello left his home in Milan and headed north. Two carloads of photographers who had been staking out his residence were hot on his heels. It was a crisp sunny morning as he got on the motorway. Was he heading to Malpensa airport? Or was he off to some secret meeting with FA representatives? Realising he was being followed, Capello exited the motorway and headed towards the outskirts of Varese, some 25 miles north of the city. He knew these roads well, having lived nearby in Legnano when he was at Milan. He made a series of turns, then doubled back, then took a variety of side roads. When he looked in his rear-view mirror, they were gone. He had successfully shaken off the paparazzi. Satisfied with himself, he headed for the border, crossing over into Switzerland and arriving at the Lugano offices of the Studio Severgnini, the Milanese law firm where Edoardo, his other son, worked. It was here, on the shores of Lake Lugano, that the England contract was signed. The fax machine whirred into life and, in the presence of two certified witnesses, Capello put pen to paper. The deal was done http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4637102.ece

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers........................... Liverpool are "poised" to complete the signing of Albert Riera for a fee thought to be around £8m. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4633179.ece Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill said yesterday "I do not know what will happen [with Gareth Barry] in the future. I'm just so pleased he's here at the football club for the foreseeable future." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4636544.ece Barry said yesterday "I always take things a season at a time. This speculation happened at the end of last season & it has been decided I'll be staying at Villa. I'll take this season now, concentrate on that & hopefully we can improve on last season." http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...villa.liverpool According to the article "no one suspected that Barry had made the decision [to stay at Villa] himself". Barry was left "with little option but to accept the next 4 months, & more likely the remainder of the season, will be spent [at Villa]". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...gue.astonvilla1 Rafa said yesterday "I don’t know whether that’s the end of it with Barry, but the agent was clear the player will stay where he is so it looks like that is it". Barry said yesterday "It won’t be strange at all [playing against Liverpool]. I’ve got my head around being here now. It was a long summer but I am strong mentally & I’m here for the long haul." When asked if he felt hung out to dry by Liverpool, Barry replied "That’s what the football business is all about. I am contracted to Villa. They set a fee and it wasn’t matched. Rules are rules." Xabi Alonso, whose place was rumoured to by under threat if Barry arrived at Anfield, sais "Gareth Barry is a very good footballer & nobody disputes that, especially not me, but I do not consider myself inferior to Barry on the field. You know that your place in the team can be under threat at any time. So the possibility of Barry coming here was not a particular threat to me. That’s not how I saw it." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...Park-clash.html Blackburn, who have been linked with Jermaine Pennant, have also been linked with Espanyol winger Valdo. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...eeper-Bunn.html Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has been linked with Xabi Alonso, has said he may still make 1 more new signing before the end of the transfer window. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Inter Milan may possibly sign Ricardo Quaresma, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, before the transfer window closes. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...nal-913166.html

Quotes from Barry, Alonso, Rafa & O'Neill on the failed Barry deal.............. Daily Mail 30 August 2008 Liverpool target Barry out to upstage his admirers in crunch Villa Park clash By Neil Moxley The reporter was asleep at one of the many bars on Birmingham’s Broad Street when Gareth Barry wandered over. Tapping him gently, Aston Villa’s skipper picked him up and helped him outside. He asked him where he lived, received a mumbled reply, and hailed a taxi. Tossing £40 inside, he asked the driver to make sure his fare got home safely. Then he re-joined the party. I saw it happen, but that snapshot will surprise no one at Aston Villa. It is typical of the man. So, four months ago, if anyone had suggested the England international would demand to leave Villa Park, criticise his manager in the most damning terms possible and spark a cold war between two of the Barclays Premier League’s biggest clubs, then few who know him would have believed it. The saga of Barry’s on-off transfer from Aston Villa to Liverpool contains more twists than Spaghetti Junction. And, rather like that monstrous example of late Sixties civil engineering, eventually you end up going round in circles. Inevitably the focus will be on Barry when Liverpool are the visitors to Villa Park on Sunday. To understand the source of the midfielder’s frustration, one has to know about the series of broken promises and false dawns at Aston Villa ever since John Gregory gave the ex-Brighton youngster his chance. In Gregory’s book The Boss, written eight years ago, there is a picture of Barry with the words: ‘I look at the kid and wonder if he realises how good he is and what’s ahead of him.’ But a solitary FA Cup Final loser’s medal is not much to show for 10 years’ outstanding effort. It is that frustration — as much as any huge pay hike — that fired his emotions this summer. Former Villa boss David O’Leary said: ‘About the time I left the club, I felt he was fed up. 'He was tired of the ethos, the financial restrictions and he was cheesed off about not playing for England. 'Perhaps now he’s been mixing with the big boys in the England squad, that’s what has got him going again. 'When I was there he was well-paid but by no means the biggest earner.’ Barry had handed in a transfer request when Martin O’Neill was appointed, but having bought into the idea that the good times were returning, then signed a four-year deal. His manager later thought enough of his captain to award him an unsolicited pay rise — unheard of in modern-day football but this is one of Brian Clough’s disciples, after all. Barry decided at the age of 27, after Liverpool made their intentions clear through third parties, that progress had not been swift enough. The problem was, he still had two years remaining on his contract. Since then, he has stood face to face with O’Neill and asked to leave. His manager went through the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. But O’Neill had an unexpected reprieve when Liverpool’s owners appeared unwilling to back their manager’s £18million valuation and Barry was left stranded at Villa, to be booed by his own fans during a pre-season friendly though they have since backed him. How will he feel playing against Liverpool? ‘It won’t be strange at all,’ he insisted. ‘I’ve got my head around being here now. 'It was a long summer but I am strong mentally and I’m here for the long haul.’ But did he not feel hung out to dry by Liverpool? ‘That’s what the football business is all about. I am contracted to Villa. 'They set a fee and it wasn’t matched. Rules are rules.’ Barry’s clash with Xabi Alonso will be fascinating — had Rafael Benitez been able to sell the Spaniard, Barry would be returning to Aston Villa as a Liverpool player. ‘ 'Gareth Barry is a very good footballer and nobody disputes that, especially not me,’ Alonso told Sportsmail. 'But I do not consider myself inferior to Barry on the field. 'For me, this is just another match. I won’t be paying any special attention to Barry. ‘In football, you live with pressure. 'You know that your place in the team can be under threat at any time. 'So the possibility of Barry coming here was not a particular threat to me. 'That’s not how I saw it.’ On Sunday Benitez will bear the brunt of any residual anger from Villa fans. ‘My conscience is clear, we were correct in everything we did,’ said the Liverpool manager, who admits he has not spoken to O’Neill for several months. ‘I don’t think you could say I have a good relationship with Martin. 'I’m a calm manager, so if there is an offer of a handshake, that will be no problem. 'If I have to say Hello, I will say Hello. ‘Anything beyond that will be up to him. 'I don’t drink wine, so we won’t be sharing a bottle of Rioja. ‘For me, it is the right way to do things when a manager talks directly to another manager to explain something. 'That’s what I did. 'I don’t know whether that’s the end of it with Barry, but the agent was clear the player will stay where he is so it looks like that is it.’ Asked whether O’Neill’s pursuit of James Milner, and the subsequent transfer request that led to his joining Villa, constituted double standards, Benitez said: ‘I have my own opinion about that but I prefer to keep it to myself.’ By a stroke of fate, the Spaniard was in the same Sheffield building as O’Neill when the two sought work permits for players this summer. Villa’s boss chose to leave by the back door, rather than make small talk. It is all a far cry from the afternoon when the pair chatted convivially in Benitez’s office after Liverpool had inflicted O’Neill’s first defeat as Villa’s boss in October 2006 — 10 games and two-and-a-half months after the Irishman took over. That will not be happening this time. ‘I’m sure it will perfectly cordial between us on Sunday in my office after the match — it’s just that I’ll not be there,’ said O’Neill dryly. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...Park-clash.html

I'm afraid transfer windows are my limit for the daily updates Paul

A few snippets from this afternoon's papers........... Blackburn "are likely to move again in the transfer market before the window closes" & are "looking to bring in a right-sided midfielder to fill the hole left by David Bentley" & "Jermaine Pennant remains heavily linked with a move to Ewood". http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport...n_Rovers_squad/ Gareth Barry "will remain at Villa until at least January after the collapse of Rafa Benitez’ bid and there are hopes that O’Neill will be able to persuade the England midfielder his long-term future remains in the Midlands". Barry spoke to the media for the 1st time since his proposed move to Liverpool feel through & said he has "no problem" with O’Neill stripping him of the captaincy. http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-s...97319-21633933/ Barry "was desperate to join the Reds". http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21633817/

The Times are now also saying that Milner's having a medical at Villa before completing a £12m transfer http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4632365.ece

It's apparently now looking less likely with Carzola & Villa signing new contracts - Real reportedly want to bring someone in before they'll let Robinho join Chelsea According to the papers this morning Chelsea had Robinho shirts for sale on their website yesterday & have now removed them

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers................... According to the LFC official site Rafa "is hopeful he will succeed in strengthening his squad before the transfer window shuts", although he said "It is not easy to bring in too many players at this stage with the window coming to an end. Maybe just the one will be all we can manage." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080829-0818.htm Albert Riera’s signing is "due to be completed" before the game against Aston Villa on Sunday. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html The £8.5m deal for Riera was "still to be finalised last night, meaning that Liverpool are likely to travel to Aston Villa without him on Sunday". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4629692.ece Liverpool's lack of width on the left will be addressed "with the capture of Riera", but "time is running out" to find a new right winger. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21630443/ Liverpool are "keen on" James Milner & "could spring a surprise if they can find the cash", although Aston Villa "are in the driving seat". Liverpool "also had an interest in Shaun Wright-Phillips". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...igher-Hull.html Villa & Everton yesterday submitted offers over £10m for Milner & "while neither bid has been accepted, Newcastle’s valuation is close to being met". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4629531.ece Milner "would prefer to stay at Newcastle" although he "is prepared to move" if his wages aren't improved. Villa "are more likely" to sign him because "Everton are unlikely to be able to pay as much up front". http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ner-912119.html Milner "is currently having a medical at Villa & should complete a permanent transfer in the next few hours" as "there are just a handful of formalities to tie up" after Newcastle accepted Villa’s bid rumoured to be in the region of £9m. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20716121/ There remains "a huge question mark" over Gareth Barry's longer-term future & "Liverpool will doubtless be monitoring the situation". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...-summer-2m.html Xabi Alonso "opted to remain at [Liverpool]" despite Arsenal's interest in him. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20716063/ Arsenal director & 2nd largest shareholder, Danny Fiszman, has said Arsene Wenger could buy a £30m player before the close of the transfer window if he wanted to. Fiszmann said it would be "no problem" to finance a £30m signing. "If he [Wenger] said to us 'I want this guy and he's £30m, can I buy him?' the answer is yes. Absolutely yes," Fiszmann said. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...rleague.arsenal

It would be for Rick!

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers....................... Rick Parry was understood to be in Barcelona last night tying up the £8m deal for Albert Riera. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ape-910873.html Liverpool are "on the verge" of completing an £8m deal for Riera last night & he could go straight into contention for Sunday’s match against Aston Villa. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/58799/...ining-Liverpool Liverpool are "hoping" to sign Riera "before the weekend". Last night Rafa "denied a deal had been done", but according to the article "Parry is due in Spain to finalise the transfer". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21622890/ After the match last night Rafa "denied reports from Spain that Liverpool had agreed a fee for Riera". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Riera "is on his way from Espanyol, after Parry flew to Barcelona yesterday to tie up an £8m deal". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...Reds-alive.html Talks over the £12m signing of Riera are "at an advanced stage". Rafa "has pressing issues involving Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Sami Hyypia & Steve Finnan before the transfer window shuts". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...tour-Liege.html Gareth Barry's "long-term future at Aston Villa remains in huge doubt" & he "will probably still leave next year" if they don't qualify for the Champions League. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20714466/ Villa boss Martin O'Neill said yesterday "I would have said only a few weeks ago that I was resigned to the fact Gareth would no longer be here - around about the time we played Reading in pre-season & when he didn't come with us to Malaga because I assumed everything would be done that week. But as for the future now, let's go one step at a time. That is what I would be looking at. I wouldn't want to be rushing anyone into making decisions or asking anyone to do something that no-one is really comfortable with." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4059564,00.html Arsenal are "closing in on £12m-rated Feyenoord midfielder Jonathan De Guzman", whom boss Arsene Wenger is "now turning all his attentions towards", having been linked with Xabi Alonso & Barry. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html James Milner has informed Newcastle "that he would like to act upon interest from Aston Villa & Liverpool, who have both been linked with [him] in recent weeks", with Villa - who are "thought to be preparing" a £9m bid - "believed to be first in line" to sign him. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...amess-Park.html Liverpool "remain keen" on Milner, for whom they "tried to broker a swap deal earlier in the summer", but he "looks set" to sign for Villa for £10m. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...-Villa-10m.html Milner has "reportedly been the subject of enquiries from both Liverpool & Villa in recent weeks", with Rafa "keen on the player". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4618989.ece Liverpool "might make a move" for Milner "if anything goes wrong with the Rieira deal", but he is expected to sign for Villa. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...ly-Ronaldo.html Newscastle are "preparing" to sell Milner to Villa for £10m. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20714557/ Villa "are expected to step up their bid to sign Milner", for whom they are believed to have already had an offer of around £9m rejected. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...lla-910424.html Milner "may" join Villa for £9m, although he is only unhappy with his pay at Newcastle rather than the overall situation. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ark-910594.html Milner is "expected" to join Villa before the transfer window closes, for a fee that could be as high as £10m. Milner "has not been eager to leave", but put in a transfer request "after repeated attempts to renegotiate his contract were rebuffed". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4622041.ece Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has been linked with Liverpool in the media elsewhere, is "expected" to have a medical at Man City today ahead of a £8.5m move. He "had been holding out for a transfer to Portsmouth", but they were "unable to raise the funds to sign him". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4622428.ece Man City will pay £9m for Wright-Phillips, who is "expected to undergo a medical today". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...hestercity.uefa Wright-Phillips will undergo a medical today before joining Man City for £10m. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20714605/ Wright-Phillips will sign Man City for £8.5m. Everton were "anxious" to sign him, but pulled out "after falling a long way short of City’s wages offer". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...t-Phillips.html Valencia's David Villa, who has been linked with several clubs including Liverpool, signed a new 6-year contract yesterday. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...l-Valencia.html

I saw a quote from him the other day saying he speaks like that so Dutch people can understand what he's saying

SWP's agent said yesterday that the player "doesn't want to join" Man City or Everton so I'd be surprised if he was having a medical at City

Guillem Balague on Xabi to Arsenal.... 27/08/2008 Arsenal: No bid yet for Liverpool's Alonso In spite of reports, Arsenal have not yet made an approach to Liverpool for Xabi Alonso. I have the impression that the player would be more than happy to play under Wenger at the Emirates, and it would be a great signing to appease a number of players in the Arsenal dressing room who are growing disenchanted with the lack of quality recruits this summer. Arsenal desperately need an injection of quality in the centre of midfield and surely must replace some of those who have departed: if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title, or even maintain their position in the top four. However, as someone from Xabi's inner circle said, following Arsenal's poor showing at Fulham, Alonso fears that if Wenger does not make a move for him now, then he never will. As far as Liverpool are concerned, they do not need to sell Alonso in order to obtain the funds for further transfers this summer. However, if Arsenal were to make an offer in the region of £15-16 million, then it is one that would be accepted by Rafa Benitez. http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=74

Barry staying put, agent tells Reds Aug 27 2008 Liverpool Echo RAFA Benitez today saw his lingering hopes of signing Gareth Barry during the current transfer window extinguished when the player's agent revealed he will be staying with Aston Villa. Alex Black released a statement on behalf of his client in a bid to draw a line under the constant speculation which has surrounded Barry ever since Liverppol's interest in taking him to Anfield became known in April. Significantly, though, Black stopped short of putting any timescale on Barry's commitment to Villa and even declared that no new contract talks will be held with the Midlands outfit until the end of the current season. Black's statement said: "Gareth made a decision to stay two weeks ago and informed Aston Villa of his intentions." "During this time discussions have taken place to decide the best way forward for all parties. "Any talks regarding a potential new contract and Aston Villa will not be taking place until the end of the season. "Gareth wants to concentrate on playing to the best of his ability this season, we hope this draws a line under the matter." Benitez's admiration for the England man has not lessened despite having been told by club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett that Barry was not worth the £18m fee Villa were demanding for him. But with Barry now having entered the penultimate year of his current contract his value will be diminishing and a renewed Liverpool offer - possibly as early as the January transfer window - cannot be ruled out, as long as the necessary funds are made available to the Reds boss. But for the timebeing, Benitez will have to get over the frustration of seeing his number one summer target remain at Villa Park and concentrate his efforts on the squad he has at his disposal. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21620092/

Latest from SWP's agent........... "He doesn't want to join either of them [Everton or Man City] and we are now discussing the next move to see what we do," said his agent Wayne Lindsay. "Because of all the problems there [City] and the uncertainty surrounding the place he is unsure. "He is speaking with the manager [Luiz Felipe Scolari] at the moment but he is settled in London. "He would like to stay and that's the bottom line but it is up to the manager. "We are looking at all the options really at this moment in time so I can't really say much more." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4056605,00.html

Here's the text of the statement from Barry's agent......... "After much speculation I can confirm that Gareth Barry will not leave Aston Villa before the transfer window closes. "Gareth made the decision to stay two weeks ago and informed Aston Villa of his intentions. "During this time discussions have taken place to decide the best way forward for all parties. "Any talks regarding potential new contracts at Aston Villa will not take place until the end of the season. "Gareth wants to concentrate on playing on the best of his ability for Aston Villa, and we hope this draws a line under the matter." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4056628,00.html

According to SSN the statement from Barry's agent says he told Villa of his intention to stay at the club 2 weeks ago Interesting that Villa haven't announced it in that time & that it's actually Barry's agent who is announcing it

All the paper talk in the last few days has been about Villa still being interested in him, with no mention of us

From today's Birmingham Mail............ Martin O'Neill plans Gareth Barry talks if star stays Aug 27 2008 By Bill Howell VILLA boss Martin O’Neill will sit down with Gareth Barry next week in an attempt to thrash out his former skipper’s future – if the England international is still at Villa Park. Liverpool’s pursuit of Albert Riera from Espanyol would appear to signal an end to their interest in this transfer window but with Arsenal looking at Xabi Alonso O’Neill is taking little for granted. If Barry remains at Villa beyond Monday’s midnight deadline then O’Neill will want to find out whether a bumper new contract and a testiomonial would kill off the player’s desire to leave the club for Champions League football. Barry could still inform him he is keen to quit the club either in January or next summer. “We will sit down with a number people and have proper negotiations,’’ said O’Neill. “I can understand the player looking from his viewpoint, I can understand the club from our viewpoint and if we can get some sort of common ground then we are in business and that’s what happens. “I think in the long term if Gareth is our player for the foreseeable future then that is something that would be delightful for all of us. “First of all we’ll see what develops. With everything between now and the transfer deadline next Monday and then after that we will see. ‘‘I’m talking generally, not specifically about Gareth. I would like to get some more players tied down to new contracts and I would hope to do that in the next few weeks.” Whatever the future holds O’Neill appears relaxed about the situation and does not see Villa as “victims” of the transfer window alongside Tottenham with Dimitar Berbatov, as was put to him. “It’s part of the game and I’m not wishing my week away,’’ he replied. “I will just be looking to get players in, I haven’t thought about Gareth. “Have any of the clubs interested in Gareth been in touch with us? The answer is no. “It doesn’t matter what I think, it’s what happens. It’s been a pretty lengthy saga. “The fact is Gareth played for us in the game in Iceland. He wanted to play which might give you a kind of feeling about it all but I have nothing more to add. “It’s been a long period of time and I genuinely thought it would have resolved itself long, long before now. “To tell you the truth, I think Gareth and Alex Black (his agent) would have imagined that too.’’ http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-s...97319-21616412/

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers............... Espanyol revealed yesterday that talks with Liverpool over the transfer of Albert Riera were "going well" & said "the differences we have are ones we can solve & in the next 2 or 3 days there has to be a solution because there is no more time". Reports claimed an £8m deal had been agreed, but Rafa said yesterday "that no agreement on fee & contract has yet been reached" (quote from the article not a direct quote from Rafa). http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ine-909254.html Hicks & Gillett have authorised the £8m signing of Riera, for whom Everton bid considerably more. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Liverpool have bid £7.1m up front for Riera, but the deal could eventually be worth £12m. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...nsfer-Talk.html Liverpool have "reached agreement with Espanyol on an £8m deal for Riera". He "was the subject of a £12m bid from Everton on Friday", but "his insistence on joining Liverpool forced the Spanish club into a compromise". Rafa must "sell before he can make any further additions to his squad". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...l.standardliege Riera will sign for Liverpool for £10m. The deal will "all but end Gareth Barry’s hopes of joining Liverpool", although Rafa "continues to explore the market for ways of finally recruiting Barry" with Sami Hyypia, Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin & Steve Finnan "all earmarked for moves away from Anfield to arm Liverpool with the cash for Barry". Liverpool "could raise around £8m by selling Pennant & Hyypia to Stoke but have yet to push the deal through, & appear to be running out of time to meet Villa’s asking price for Barry". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...head-Barry.html If Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League group stage "the pursuit of Barry would halt immediately as might that of Riera", who "is close to agreeing an £8m move despite Everton offering more cash". Failure to qualify could also "accelerate Benitez's clear-out" with Xabi Alonso, Hyypia, Pennant & Finnan all linked with moves. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ege-909539.html Liverpool are "on the verge" of signing Riera for £8m & Rafa "hopes to [further] add to his squad before the transfer window closes next week", but will have to sell players before he can do so because "funds are limited at Anfield". However, Pennant has thrown Rafa’s transfer plans "into jeopardy by insisting he wants to remain at Liverpool" & "looks set to reject" Blackburn’s £7m bid for him. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...-Liverpool.html Everton's Mikel Arteta "made a last-ditch attempt to sway [Riera] towards Goodison last night" but his "heart is set on a move to Anfield". Rafa "would prefer to pursue other targets" instead of Riera, but a lack of sales "has forced his hand". Liverpool "need to ship out 3 from Voronin, Pennant, Hyypia, Finnan or even Alonso before they can fund the £18m [signing of] Barry". Blackburn want to sign Man City's Stephen Ireland, who they see "as a cheaper option to Pennant", but, having been prepared to off-load Ireland, his performances in the opening games of the season have forced City into a rethink. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...mpey-waves.html Riera will join Liverpool "in the next 48 hours for an initial £7m", which could rise to £10m. The deal is "likely to end Liverpool's pursuit of Stewart Downing & Ricardo Quaresma" & "may also draw a line under their attempts to sign Barry". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...nger-Riera.html Liverpool "should complete the £8m signing of Riera tomorrow", when Rick Parry "will fly to Barcelona to complete the fine points of the transfer". "Given that the £8m fee is £1.5m lower than a deal that Espanyol agreed with Everton, the signing may be claimed as a personal triumph for Parry". Rafa "will be happy to get the player he wanted...having been urged by the club’s hierarchy to consider Downing as an alternative". "Liverpool are still expected to offload at least 3 senior players before the transfer window closes, with Charles Itandje, Finnan, Pennant & Voronin favourites to go & doubts persisting about the future of Alonso." Blackburn "are expected to improve on an opening £3.5m bid for Pennant, who has also been the subject, along with Hyypia, of a combined £7.5m offer from Stoke". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4615666.ece Riera "is expected to become a Liverpool player by the end of the week", for a fee "in excess of £8m", with Liverpool "hopeful" of completing the transfer "in the next few days" as "only a few minor details need to be ironed out". Riera "may not be the final arrival before the transfer window closes" as Rafa "will consider further bolstering his squad in the coming days". However, Rafa "must sell before he can buy, and is willing to listen to offers for Voronin, Pennant & Finnan". "Alonso could also be allowed to depart, but interested clubs – which include Arsenal – would need to lodge a big-money bid." http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21613250/ With Gokan Inler apparently deciding to stay at Udinese, "Wenger's attention is now likely to concentrate on Alonso, although with Barry's proposed move to Liverpool seemingly dead in the water, prizing [Alonso] away from Anfield will be difficult". "However, Rafa needs funds to strengthen his squad & could be tempted with a big-money offer in the region of £15m" for Alonso, who "would certainly be willing to move to the Emirates". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said yesterday that there is "no news" on the signing of a centre midfielder after being linked with both Alonso & Barry. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ess-909487.html Aston Villa are "hopeful" they can persuade Newcastle to accept around £9m for James Milner, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...a.premierleague Real "had a €47m bid for David Villa turned down on Sunday but will up that to €50m" with Valencia's president being encouraged by the club's board to sell given the club "is crippled by debts of over €250m". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...lsea.realmadrid Valencia insist they "have yet to receive a formal offer for Villa, but admit they could be tempted by a €50m bid". http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_4055396,00.html

Small comment from O'Neill on the Barry situation............ "I think things are falling into place. If we could get Gareth’s situation resolved we would be pretty well happy." http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-s...97319-21604559/

I had the same thought as I was typing s-m-o-k-e-s-c-r-e-e-n

I reckon all this talk of having to postpone the trip due to flight complications & Champions League commitments could be a smokescreen Rick's obviously got his tie caught in the fax machine again & it's going to take a while to get him out this time