GWistooshort

IMO Rafa wanted Barry for the left-sided player of the holding two, with Mascherano the right-sided one Barry's versatility would be a major major plus in this role as he could comfortably cover for Dossena if the Italian was caught forward - which is going to happen on occasion considering Rafa has said he wants the full backs to provide the width - but he is also able to contribute effectively attack-wise, both in terms of assists & goals Problem is I can't think of many/any alternatives to Barry who can do all that, which is IMO why Rafa was/is so keen to get him

That's a few days old - there's been a couple of updates since then Here's the latest (from today)........... 26/08/2008 Liverpool: Riera deal agreed Albert Riera is close to finalising a transfer from Espanyol to Liverpool after the two sides agreed a €10 million deal in principle. The 26 year old former Manchester City player had also been the subject of a bid from Everton, but after an improved offer from Anfield and a busy day of negotiations yesterday, the player is on the verge of completing a move to the red half of Merseyside within the next 24-48 hours. Rick Parry will travel to Barcelona on Thursday morning in order to meet with Espanyol and put the finishing touches to the paperwork. The Liverpool Chief Executive had planned to arrive in Barcelona on Wednesday, but the trip has been postponed due to flight complications and Champions League commitments. It is expected that Riera will accompany Parry on his return to the UK on Thursday evening in order for the player to undergo a medical examination prior to completing the deal. GuillemBalague.com reported yesterday that Everton had previously lodged a €12 million bid for the player, and that Espanyol were using rival bids from Liverpool to prompt a bidding war for his signature. However, sources close to the player revealed that Riera had his heart set on playing at Anfield and said: "Albert could not be trying any harder to secure a move to Liverpool FC." With the opportunity to work under fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez playing a decisive role in influencing his decision, it would appear that Albert Riera has finally got his way. http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=71

Inler appears to have ruled out a move to Arsenal http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11854_4051092,00.html which, going on who they've been linked with recently, means they're left with either Xabi or Barry for central midfield

O'Neill said the other day that he reckons Young is worth £30m while the player himself has said he would like to sign a new contract at Villa

or indeed a snoogy.........

Totally agree

Transfer news/speculation from today's papers............................ Albert Riera "is holding out for a move to Liverpool" despite Everton meeting Espanyol's £12m asking price. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...mer-908512.html Espanyol's president has confirmed they has received offers for Riera from 2 English clubs, "reported to be Liverpool and Everton" according to the article, but he said "they'll have to pay what Espanyol is asking". Espanyol's sporting director said "There is a team which is offering what we have asked and another one which isn't, but the player is interested in the one which is offering the least. [Which the article says is "believed to be Liverpool".] We will not lower our asking price." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4606650.ece Liverpool have "launched a £10m bid for Riera", with "targets such as Gareth Barry & Stewart Downing proving out of reach", but "Espanyol are adamant their £12m asking price will be met". Liverpool's interest "will infuriate Everton [who] last week tabled a £12m offer". Riera "appears reluctant to join Everton, with the prospect of playing Champions League football at Anfield too hard to resist" & Rafa "is hopeful of using his connections at Espanyol to win the race for Riera". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Liverpool are "set to make a £10m bid for Riera today", which is £2m less than Everton offered for him last week, but Rafa is confident Riera "will force the Barcelona club [Espanyol] to let him go to the Reds instead". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20712230/ Guillem Balague says he has spoken with "sources close to Riera" who have told him that Riera "could not be trying any harder than he is to make the move to Liverpool happen." They also said Riera knows "he will learn a lot from Benitez & he knows how serious the Liverpool manager is, although he knows he is going to have to work very hard." Balague says it appears if Liverpool match Everton's offer Riera will be joining the Reds & Riera himself "believes that things could be sorted out by as early as Tuesday [ie today]". According to Balague Rafa "believes that Espanyol are taking advantage of the rival bid from Everton to increase the transfer fee". Balague also says that although the Espanyol president is "unsure" about selling Riera "there are other key figures at Espanyol who are keen for the sale to go ahead as they are aware that Riera is very unhappy at the club" & they "have already lined up a replacement". http://www.guillembalague.com/rumores_desp.php?id=68 Liverpool "are edging closer to signing Riera despite Everton’s attempts to hijack the deal" & "are ready to lodge an improved bid" after offering around £9m. Although Everton "are thought to have met Espanyol’s asking price" of £12m, Riera, whom Rafa has "tracked all summer", has "set his heart" on a move to Liverpool. "Aston Villa’s £18m valuation ultimately scuppered a move for Barry while Middlesbrough have slapped a similarly prohibitive price tag on Downing". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21602542/ Liverpool "moved closer to signing Riera last night" & are "hopeful of agreeing a deal in the coming days". They will need to match Everton's £9.5m bid, which has already been accepted by Espanyol, who rejected Liverpool's initial offer of £4m plus Andriy Voronin & "want a straight cash deal [of] at least £8m up front & a further £1.5m in add-ons". "The Liverpool board will weigh up whether to meet those demands over the next 24hrs, aware that Stewart Downing is also eager to move to Anfield". Downing is "well regarded" by Rafa & the Liverpool hierarchy, but they are "concerned that he may cost considerably more than Riera", who is Rafa's "main target". Middlesbrough have "previously indicated that Downing is valued at around £15m" & will now "be highly reluctant to sell so soon before the transfer window closes". However, "it could yet be Downing, rather than Riera, who moves to Anfield". Rafa could also "still be in the market for another player [if] he manages to offload any of Voronin, Jermaine Pennant or Xabi Alonso". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4608330.ece Liverpool are "close to concluding" their search for a left-sided midfielder having "yesterday made an improved offer for Riera". Liverpool's latest bid is less than the £12m Everton offered for Riera on Friday, which "they remain reluctant to match". Liverpool are "confident" Riera's "stated wish to move to Anfield will force a compromise", despite Espanyol's insistence they will only sell for £12m which Rafa "perceives to be an attempt to drive up Liverpool's offer to Everton's level". Riera "has told Espanyol he will only consider a move to Liverpool" & "anxious not to lose out on his potential fee" they "were last night considering [Liverpool's] latest bid". Liverpool "had an offer of around €10m (£8m) rejected last week & have also seen attempts to include Andriy Voronin as a makeweight in the deal thwarted by Espanyol's lack of interest [in Voronin]". Liverpool stepped up their interest in Riera having refused to meet Aston Villa's £18m valuation of Gareth Barry & having had "no encouragement" that a deal for Stewart Downing, who would cost around £14m, could be done before 1st Sep. Their interest in Riera "brings down the curtain on their interest in Barry". Rafa "will persist in his efforts to raise further funds this week". Xabi Alonso is "still a target for Arsenal, who have yet to increase [their] initial offer of £12m", while Stoke "have made a joint £7m offer for Jermaine Pennant & Sami Hyypia", although Pennant's "reluctance to move there is proving a major obstacle to that deal". Pennant is also a target for Blackburn, although they have only offered £3.5m & Liverpool are holding out for at least £5m. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...l.premierleague Liverpool have offered £9m for Riera while Everton have bid £12m bid, but Riera "prefers a move to Anfield" & Liverpool "will be hoping that player power triumphs over Espanyol's financial need". Middlesborough are "reluctant to sell" Downing to Liverpool, "especially at this short notice", but Liverpool's £14m offer "will be tempting". Rafa's "concerns over Downing's true worth" & "Gareth Barry" are "the stumbling blocks at the Anfield end". Sources in Spain claim Chelsea's interest in David Villa continues with talk of £40m deal that "may well develop throughout the final week [of the transfer window]" with Valencia "desperate to reduce their massive debt". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...and-Bolton.html Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger "is understood to have continued his interest in Xabi Alonso". Arsenal value Alonso at around £10m, while Liverpool want £15m. "Much will depend on how Arsenal & Liverpool fare in the [Champions League's] group stage draw on Thursday – providing they both qualify. Should Liverpool face a difficult draw, it is thought that they would be minded to hang on to Alonso." http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...lan-908513.html Gareth Barry "remains wanted" by Rafa, but "finances may dictate" that Riera or Downing are "more likely arrivals". Liverpool's interest in Downing is "disconcerting" Middlesborough. Xabi Alonso & Barry are on Arsenal's "radar", but Wenger "is reluctant to pay inflated prices". Stoke "will go back in for Sami Hyypia". Liverpool "may see some surprise departures" before the transfer window closes. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...e-shopping.html Rafa has "hinted that a much-needed wide player would be in place before the transfer deadline". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20711274/ Steven Gerrard has said "I think there will be another arrival before the deadline. The manager's obviously got his eye on 2 or 3 different players." http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080826-0850.htm Aston Villa want a final answer from Newcastle today on James Milner, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, or they will look elsewhere. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20711282/ Real Madrid "last night offered £35m for David Villa". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4608480.ece Villa "has been very much in demand this summer", although there were "never" any approaches for him from Liverpool. http://www.guillembalague.com/blog_desp.php?id=60

Wouldn't it go something like this................... Rick Parry: Hi it's Rick Parry Steve Gibson: Click...brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ................given the history?

From Sky Sports website................. Espanyol - Riera will cost you President determined to get full asking price for winger By Lucas Brown Last updated: 25th August 2008 Espanyol president Daniel Sanchez Llibre has told all clubs interested in signing Albert Riera that they will have to pay the full asking price after confirming that two sides had made contact. Sanchez Llibre has been adamant that he will not let the highly-rated wide man leave on the cheap and stated that any bids below their valuation would not even be considered. Liverpool and Everton have both been strongly linked with a move for the former Manchester City loanee, but Sanchez Llibre would not confirm if they had made the offers. Defending interests "Both the bids do come from English clubs," the Blanc i Blau supremo told reporters. "We are ready to defend our interests. "We will not be selling any of our players for less than the amount that we believe they are worth. "If anyone wants Albert Riera then they will have to pay what Espanyol wants." Luis Garcia has also been the subject of interest from other clubs with Benfica having held fruitless talks with Espanyol and Sanchez Llibre thinks that the deal is off. He added: "The possible transfer of Luis Garcia to Benfica has been stopped, while the Riera business is in the final stages. "If someone was to leave though, it could all be dealt with within 24 hours." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4047635,00.html

From Sky Sports website............ Reds trial for teenager Danish starlet looking to impress at Anfield By Kent Hedlundh Last updated: 24th August 2008 Marcus Soendergaard has been handed a one-week trial at Premier League giants Liverpool. The talented teenage defender impressed the Reds' Danish scout Jimmy Hansen while representing Greve IF. At just 14-years-old he would be unable to sign a contract in England for another two years, but could be brought into the academy set-up in the future. The youngster is hoping that an agreement can be reached, as he is desperate to play in England. Dream "It is a dream come true," Soendergaard told Ekstra Bladet. "The facilities they have are very professional. In the long term I can see myself moving abroad." Hansen believes he has discovered a talent which could prove beneficial to the Reds in the years to come. "I have followed Marcus for a year now," he said. "He is a very skilled defender who knows how to hold his position and is good at reading the game." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4041749,00.html

They've heard about Rick then.

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers.............. Arsenal "will step up their efforts to sign Xabi Alonso this week after [being] outplayed by Fulham on Saturday". "After such a lacklustre performance, Wenger knows that he has to make a significant move in the transfer market if Arsenal are to be challengers for the Barclays Premier League & Champions League" & he "has money to spend after a quiet summer in the transfer market". "Arsenal’s opening offer of £10m was turned down 3 weeks ago", as Liverpool are "holding out for £16m" for Alonso, who "wants to leave Anfield after falling out with Rafael Benitez". "Alonso’s relationship with Benitez became strained when he discovered at the end of last season that his manager wanted to replace him with Barry. Matters came to a head during an angry confrontation before Liverpool’s Champions League qualifying match away to Standard Liège this month." Despite being linked with several midfield players this summer, including Liverpool target Gareth Barry, Alonso "is Wenger’s No 1 target". Under the terms of Alonso’s transfer to Liverpool, his former club Real Sociedad will receive about £5m if Alonso is sold for less than £13m & 20% of any transfer fee over £13m. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4602721.ece Liverpool are "likely to miss out" on £14m-rated winger Stewart Downing as Middlesbrough "will resist any offers from Liverpool" for him. Downing "is back on Rafa’s wanted list as he weighs up his final moves prior to the transfer window closing next week". Rafa is "still keen" on Barry & "has tabled an offer for Albert Riera", who "is keen to move". Everton "have also posted their interest" in Reira, who "was left out of his side’s friendly game against Udinese on Sunday night as his agent discussed the offers". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...d-talisman.html Espanyol "have accepted a £12m offer from Everton for Riera, but the player's preferred move is to Liverpool". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/g...ers/7580445.stm Arsenal are monitoring Man City midfielder Michael Johnson, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles & was reportedly the subject of a bid from Liverpool last summer. He is yet to sign a new contract at City with talks still underway. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...er-Johnson.html Aston Villa are "still hopeful" of signing James Milner, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, but they will abandon their £9m bid if his future isn't resolved by Monday night with boss Martin O’Neill "refusing to wait any longer with just a week of the transfer window remaining". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...lner-chase.html

Transfer news/speculation from today's papers........... Albert Riera's agent has confirmed that both Liverpool & Everton have made an offer for the player. He said Reira "would prefer to go to Liverpool", but "Everton have put in a better bid so you cannot tell yet where he will go". A "source at Goodison Park" said Everton's bid was €10m, but also said "Everton can try their best but he really wants to move to Liverpool. The opportunity to play Champions League football is an attraction that Everton just does not have so he wants Liverpool more." The player's agent said "Reira is desperate to leave Espanyol - absolutely desperate. He wants to play in the Premier League and to play against bigger clubs." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...eld-switch.html Rafa "is ready to make a last-ditch attempt to solve his left-sided problems" with both Riera & Stewart Downing "on his agenda". He "has been considering an offer [for Downing] all summer" & "has also been in talks with Espanyol for Riera, having given up on Valencia’s David Silva". Riera is valued at £10m by Liverpool but Everton have bid £12m, which "may force Benitez to move for Downing", who could cost £16m, although Downing "will plead with Middlesbrough to listen to any £14m bid from Liverpool" because he "believes his ambitions will be aided by a move to a Champions League club". http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/foot...rticle16828.ece Rafa "will this week make an official approach to Middlesbrough for Downing", which appears to put yet another nail in the coffin of Gareth Barry's dreams of joining the Reds. Rafa "had hoped Downing would remain on Merseyside for talks following the game yesterday, but "Gareth Southgate refused him permission". Rafa "is a huge fan" of Downing & "is prepared to meet the north-east side's £12m valuation". "And there could be further movement into Anfield this week as Benitez would still have around £8m for squad strengthening". Andriy Voronin & Charles Itandje are "on their way out of Liverpool", with Galatasaray "expected" to meet Liverpool's demand of £3m for Voronin after having an initial £2.5m bid rejected last week & Itandje "set to sign a season-long loan deal with Lille". http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_...-name_page.html Barry "has finally given up on moving to Liverpool this summer" & has told Villa "he now wants to focus on playing for the club". Barry is also "willing to discuss" a new contract, but because "he ultimately wants Champions League football", Villa "will include a get-out clause to let him go to a top 4 club next summer if Villa fail to qualify" for around £10m. http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/article16953.ece Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas said it would be "perfect" if Arsenal signed Xabi Alonso & that he'd "love it". "He is my friend and apart from that he is a great passer of the ball, he works hard defensively, he's experienced and he is only 26", Fabregas said. However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who has been linked with Alonso & also confirmed his interest in Barry, has said this weekend "We are not close to signing anybody". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...nal/7579665.stm Although Rafa "has made it clear he would be willing to let Alonso leave Liverpool" he "has warned Wenger he can forget about trying to pick up Alonso on the cheap". That means Arsenal "will have to up" their planned £14m bid by at least £2m to have "any chance" of landing Alonso. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20710294/ Blackburn are in "informal talks" with Liverpool over Jermaine Pennant & "plan to finally bid this week", but "have been told they must pay at least £6m". Rafa is "no longer in a rush to sell as he is unsure there is enough time [to replace him]". http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/foot...rticle16844.ece Penannt has pleaded with Rafa not to sell him as his future at Anfield "looks uncertain" as he hasn't being involved in Liverpool's opening two Premier League games, with Blackburn "strongly linked". Pennant said "I want to stay at Liverpool. I have been given a fantastic opportunity to play for the team I supported as a kid and all I want to do is work hard and fight for my place in the team." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4040323,00.html James Milner, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, "will this week ask Newcastle for a pay rise & a new contract" without which he "will be angling for a transfer [to Aston Villa] before the transfer deadline". Chelsea "are considering a beat-the-deadline move for French midfield star Sofiane Feghouli", who was linked with Liverpool by the Daily Post last week, "to ward off interest from Juventus & Inter Milan", with the player telling his agent that "he would prefer a move to the Premier League". http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/tm_...-name_page.html

From Sky Sports website............. Toffees move for Riera Spaniard to have Goodison option Last updated: 23rd August 2008 Everton have made a move to beat rivals Liverpool to the signing of Spanish international Albert Riera, skysports.com understands. Reports across England and Spain revealed Everton's interest in the winger and it is now understood that talks are at an advanced stage. Everton are ready to agree terms with Espanyol - something their city rivals Liverpool have been unable to do. The Toffees seem prepared to pay £12million for Riera, which is better than Liverpool's package which is believed to have included Andriy Voronin in exchange. Everton are yet to sign any players this summer, but Riera could represent a big breakthrough for manager David Moyes after failed bids for Joao Moutinho and Tiago. Riera's arrival on the left would also give Moyes the opportunity to reshuffle his midfield - as the likes of Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar could then be moved across into the centre or right. Espanyol are now assessing the deal although they are also considering the sale of Luis Garcia - and may not be willing to sell both their prized assets, but Everton are hoping their straight cash bid will persuade the Barcelona outfit to do business. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_4035083,00.html

Interesting that Rafa says another English club was in for him (along with Besiktas & Inter) at the same time as us - I had't heard that before. Anyone got any ideas who it was?

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers............. Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has said he is "fed-up" with other managers speaking about Gareth Barry after Arsene Wenger stated his interest. O’Neill said "I’ve heard nothing from Arsene Wenger himself, so it is strange". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...lder-Barry.html O'Neill said would not press for any action to be taken against Rafa or Wenger for their comments about Barry, whose "future remains shrouded in uncertainty" according to the article. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...onvilla.arsenal Stoke "may return with an improved bid" Sami Hyypia, after having a £3m offer rejected. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...ypia-offer.html Hyypia "remains a key part of Benitez’s plans". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21590629/ Liverpool have made an improved £9m offer for Albert Riera, but Espanyol are still asking for £19m - a valuation "Liverpool will go nowhere near". Expect Hyypia to be sold to Stoke "as the transfer window gets closer to expiring". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...-set-Stoke.html Rafa "is hoping to make at least one more signing before the close of the transfer window", with Riera & Stewart Downing "targets for Liverpool", who have also been linked with Ricardo Quaresma. Rafa "is hoping to offload Xabi Alonso, Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin & Steve Finnan" while Hyypia "will not be leaving the club". Rafa "would not reveal who instigated the meeting he held with Rick Parry on Tuesday". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4593400.ece According to the article, Rafa confirmed Alonso "is still for sale at the right price" & "that he is facing difficulties buying a left midfielder before the transfer deadline". One candidate, Riera, is now a target for Everton, although he "would prefer a move to Anfield". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...lteam.liverpool Everton "are poised to sign Espanyol's £12m Spain winger Albert Riera from under the noses of Liverpool". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7578092.stm In his pre-match press conference yesterday when asked if there would be any further departures before the transfer window closes Rafa said "We don't know. Again it is too early so we have to wait, but clearly we are working trying to improve so we will see". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20707612/ Steven Gerrard "reckons there will be at least one more new arrival at the club before the transfer window closes". He said “I think there will be another arrival before the deadline. The manager’s obviously got his eye on two or three different players, and I think it would help us if another new face came in.” http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21590516/ Rafa is "weighing up a late move for [Wigan's] Honduras midfielder [Wilson] Palacios", whom he has tracked "since the end of last season". Wigan boss Steve Bruce said "You never say never but it would take an astronomical sum of money to get Wilson", whom he valued at £18m. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20707403/ Herno Crespo, who is believed to be the "good CV" player mentioned by Elisha Scott at the beginning of the transfer window, has reportedly "fallen out with [inter's] new coach Jose Mourinho" & could "be left out of Inter's squad for the UEFA Champions League group phase". Lazio, one of Crespo's former clubs, have expressed an interest in re-signing him. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_4033083,00.html

O'Neill has said he's heard nothing from Arsene Wenger re Gareth Barry - whether or not that means that Arsenal haven't enquired about him is another matter! http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-bir...65233-21589306/

Bring back Kaizer! Do I win????

From today's Birmingham Mail.................... Arsene Wenger keeps tabs on Gareth Barry Aug 22 2008 By Bill Howell ARSENE Wenger has indicated that he is interested in stepping up his interest in Gareth Barry but he may be priced out of a move for the England international, whose dream move to Liverpool is in serious doubt. Martin O’Neill has fought long and hard to keep Barry and has stuck rigidly to his £18million valuation. That figure is likely to scupper any potential move to The Emirates at a time when Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is believed, against his wish, to be scouring the market for alternative targets. Wenger is keen to bring in a central midfielder after seeing Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva all depart in the last three months, . Asked about Barry, Wenger said: “There is always interest. I cannot tell you much more. He’s one of the players we follow. “I find Barry a good player. The problems with players who are 27, 28, is that you pay big money but you get nothing back, no resale.” Barry played for Villa in the UEFA Cup, meaning he would not be eligible for the Champions League until February. Wenger added: “We’re not quite as short as we were, one more is possible. It wouldn’t be a problem. “Once somebody cannot play for you in Europe, it devalues the player for the season. It doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t buy him. “The transfer window? You see I can surprise you sometimes, because there was one in who you didn’t suspect. “There still might be one more player in a position you know.” England boss Fabio Capello believes Barry has been unsettled by the endless speculation as to where he will ply his trade come September 1. The Italian said: “At the moment, the Liverpool situation means Barry is not at his best. That is my opinion.” http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-s...97319-21585255/

From Sky Sports website............ Espanyol to decide on Riera Liverpool still linked with midfielder By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 22nd August 2008 Espanyol are set to hold talks over the future of Albert Riera as he continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool. The Reds have reportedly been tracking Riera for much of the summer, although Espanyol sporting director Paco Herrera insisted earlier this week that there had been no offers. Spanish sources now suggest that coach Tintin Marquez is to meet with directors and technical staff on Friday to discuss the matter. Marquez is understood to want a new defender and may need to raise funds by selling one or two of his top players. As well as Riera, the Espanyol bosses are likely to consider the future of Luis Garcia, who has been connected with Benfica. "The club has not reduced the price in this possible operation," Herrera told the Spanish press. "Espanyol will only sell for the right price. "It is certain that contacts and propositions exist but until today nothing has arrived." Riera is under contract at Espanyol until 2012 and is valued at around 24million euros (£19million). However, he has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League with Liverpool after enjoying a previous spell with Manchester City. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11827_4030434,00.html

Reports this morning are saying the fee for Kompany is £6m Will be interesting to see how he does here

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers............. Rafa remains "deeply frustrated" by the club’s refusal to sign Gareth Barry. However, he "has not completely given up hope of signing Barry, but barring a dramatic change of heart from the owners or Xabi Alonso being sold, a deal remains highly unlikely". "Alonso is hoping that Arsenal will follow up their interest in him after a falling out with Benítez last week, but the clubs remain some way apart on their valuations of the Spain midfield player. The situation is complicated further by the terms of the deal that led to Alonso moving to Liverpool from Real Sociedad for £10.5 million in 2004, by which the Spanish club are entitled to a sell-on fee of €6 million (about £4.75 million) if the player is sold for €16 million or less." http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4580583.ece Wenger "retains an interest in securing Barry at Liverpool's expense" after confirming that he intends to sign an experienced central midfielder before the closure of the transfer window. Wenger said yesterday "I am looking for a player with experience, and Gareth Barry is one of the players we follow", although according to the article "he hinted that Arsenal may be reluctant to meet Villa's £18m valuation". The article also says that Wenger suggested the fact that Xabi Alonso is cup-tied for Europe "has prompted him to drop his interest in the Spaniard". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...tercity.arsenal Liverpool are "struggling to secure a left-sided midfielder before the transfer window closes". Riera & Stewart Downing are among Rafa's "preferred candidates if they fail to land Barry" but, with just over a week to go before the deadline, those options are "also fraught with difficulty". Rafa's "hopes of signing [barry] remain", as does his "anger at the hierarchy's stance on Barry". Meanwhile, his "efforts to offload" Alonso "have now led the midfielder to seek a transfer". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...l.premierleague Liverpool "last night lodged an improved £8m bid with Espanyol for...Albert Riera". Liverpool have rejected Arsenal's £10m offer for Alonso, who "had agreed personal terms on a move". Arsenal have now shifted their attention to Barry, with Arsene Wenger confirming their interest yesterday. Wenger "will decide whether or not to move [for Barry] after the draw for the [Champions League] group stage next week". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...Alonso-bid.html Wenger last night "remained hopeful" he could sign Barry, although Aston Villa are "unlikely to cut their price", which is too high for Wenger. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...rry-905300.html "It remains highly unlikely that Gareth Barry will move to Anfield before the transfer window closes". "Unless Villa lower their asking price or Liverpool’s American owners perform a dramatic U-turn, it is highly unlikely Barry’s dream move to Anfield will become a reality". Rafa "now accepts" that Rick Parry "was not solely responsible for the Anfield hierarchy’s decision not to meet Villa’s £18m asking price for Barry". "It is believed Arsenal could be ready to meet Villa’s demands [for Barry]". Rafa "remains keen to bolster his left flank", & he & Parry "are continuing to work on strengthening the squad before the window closes", with both "Riera & Downing under consideration". "But with Espanyol asking £16m for Riera & Middlesbrough likely to demand around the same for Downing, the Liverpool manager is keeping his options open." http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21584008/ Rafa "is weighing up a bid for Porto star Ricardo Quaresma" as an alternative to Barry, but faces competition from Inter Milan. Liverpool "are said to be willing to go no higher than £20m" for Quaresma, while Inter have been told to raise their £13.5m bid. However, signing Quaresma "may prove as difficult...as Barry" as Porto value him at £31.7m. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...xtra-width.html Wigan "have warned Liverpool off a move for midfielder Wilson Palacios by insisting he is worth as much as £18m-rated Gareth Barry". http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7576040.stm Man City midfielder Michael Johnson, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, is set to agree a new contract. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...signs-City.html

It may well make no difference in terms of the final price cos as you say that's dictated by Villa & they've shown no sign of shifting so far & I can't see any reason why they should shift now. However, what I meant is that Wenger's comment could be used by Hicks/Gillett/Parry to say to Rafa "look here's someone else - a very successful Premiership manager to boot - who also thinks Barry isn't worth £18m" if Rafa is trying to persuade them to go back in for Barry - so while we're busy fighting between ourselves Wenger has a clear path to negotiate with Villa/Barry - yes he might end up having to pay Villa's asking price, but he reduces the risk of Barry going to us instead of joining Arsenal.

Wenger's comment re Barry's re-sale value reinforces Hicks & Gillett's position - smart move by Wenger if he is in for Barry

According to Sky we're interested, along with Man Utd & Portsmouth, in Lens 17 year-old "starlet" Darnel Situ-Buyence, who is "keen on a move across the Channel" Doesn't say what position he plays http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_4024763,00.html