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TUESDAY 3 |
 Torres passes medical
Fernando Torres will become Liverpool's record signing
tomorrow after the Spanish international successfully passed
a medical at Melwood today.
The 23-year-old will put pen-to-paper on a six-year contract
after Liverpool agreed a club record deal with Atletico
Madrid, a reported £26.5m.
Torres has flown back to Madrid this evening and will hold a
farewell press conference tomorrow before flying back to
Merseyside to be unveiled as Liverpool's new striker.
A statement from Atletico reads: "Club Atletico de Madrid
has reached an agreement with Liverpool Football Club for
the sale of Fernando Torres to the British club.
"The player, accompanied by Don Enrique Cerezo and Jesus
Garcia Pitarch, will hold a farewell press conference on
Wednesday 4 July."
Meanwhile, a Liverpool spokesperson confirmed: "The player
has passed a medical. All the agreements are now in place
and he will put pen to paper on the deal on Wednesday."
(Shankly Gates)
New keeper's transfer completed
Bulgarian under-21 goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov has completed
the formalities of his transfer from Levski Sofia to
Liverpool
Mihaylov joins on a three-year deal, with the option of a
further two-year extension.
"I have no words. This is the greatest moment of my life,"
he said.
The 19-year old, whose father is president of the Bulgarian
Football Union, was a member of the Levski squad that
competed in last season's Champions League and has also
represented his country at full level.
(LFC Official Website)
Garcia: I couldn't resist Atletico
Luis Garcia admitted the lure of returning to Atletico
Madrid was too strong to resist after rejoining his former
club from Liverpool.
Garcia, who spent the 2002-2003 season at the Vicente
Calderon, signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee
with the Primera Liga side - and, while conceding it was
hard to leave Anfield, the Spain international revealed he
could not turn down a move home.
He said: "I could have stayed or I could return to Spain. I
have made a decision which I believe is the right one. I
simply couldn't reject the offer when given the opportunity
to return to Atletico."
He added: ""It was a personal decision. Liverpool are one of
the best clubs in the world. I spent three great years at
Liverpool but it was time to consider my future.
"Liverpool has been very important in my career and I will
never forget my time there. Their fans are amazing, they
supported me since my arrival, in good and bad times.
"I tried to do the best I could to repay their trust but
nothing I can do can ever repay their unconditional
support."
(Ananova)
Is Torres Liverpool's missing link?
Fernando Torres is being painted as the final piece in
Liverpool's jigsaw - a puzzle that remains incomplete after
17 title-free years at Anfield.
"The final piece of the jigsaw" is a phrase that has become
synonymous with Liverpool in an era when they have failed to
win the trophy they covet most.
The pieces have been assembled by a succession of managers,
only for men like Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and latterly
Gerard Houllier to find another crucial bit had gone astray.
Boss Benitez has suffered a similar fate, despite successes
in the Champions League and the FA Cup.
The list is endless - Paul Ince, Stan Collymore, Harry
Kewell and Djibril Cisse to name but a few.
Now Torres is poised to take on the cursed mantle, complete
with a huge £26.5m transfer fee and a lavish six-year
contact to match.
(Phil McNulty - BBC Sport Online)
Atletico tight-lipped on Torres
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo today refused to
confirm the transfer of Fernando Torres to Liverpool as a
done deal.
Speculation has been rife that the Spain striker is poised
to complete a £27m switch
to Anfield.
Cerezo, who was at the unveiling of new signing Luis Garcia,
was asked how the Atletico team would react to Torres’
departure.
“If and when that happens, we will see,” he said.
Garcia believes if Torres does leave for Merseyside, the
frontman would not have any problems adapting to the Premier
League.
“I haven’t spoken to Torres,” said Garcia. “But wherever he
ends up playing, I believe he will give his best.
“I think the great players adapt well to any team and any
league, Torres is one of them.”
(Evening Echo)
Luis Garcia passes medical,
pens three-year Atletico deal
Luis Garcia is now officially an Atletico Madrid player
after passing his medical. The versatile forward has signed
a three-year deal with the Rojiblancos.
The Catalan-born player signs from Liverpool for a fee of
around 4 million euros, with Fernando Torres expected to
head the other way in the next few days.
Luis enjoyed a miraculous start to his Anfield career with
an impressive goal tally and a Champions League winner's
medal, and his form scarcely dipped from then on.
However, he picked up an injury in January and missed the
remainder of
Liverpool's season.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has cashed in on the player despite
his cult status amongst the Kop faithful. Despite enjoying
his time at Anfield, Luis Garcia is said to relish the
chance to return to La Liga, which he left in 2004 after
departing Barcelona.
(Reuters)
Fernando Torres set to sign for Liverpool
today
Fernando Torres was due on Merseyside today to complete his
£26.5m signing
for Liverpool.
But Peter Crouch will not be the man to make way for the
Spaniard in
Rafa Benitez’s squad.
The England striker’s Anfield future was cast in doubt at
the weekend when it was reported that he was the only
Liverpool player with two years remaining on his contract
who has NOT been invited to open talks about a new deal.
But Reds chief executive Rick Parry rubbished the report.
“It is not true that he is the only player not to have been
approached about a new deal and he is very much part of Rafa
Benitez’s future plans,” he said.
But with Torres now joining Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Andriy
Voronin and Craig Bellamy on Liverpool’s striking roster,
one forward is likely to make way – with Bellamy the
favourite.
Torres was due to have a medical today and could be unveiled
as Liverpool’s record signing tomorrow.
(Liverpool Echo)
No get-out clause in Heinze’s contract
The likelihood of Gabriel Heinze joining him (Fernando
Torres) at Anfield receded as Manchester United reacted with
horror at the prospect of their Argentinean defender joining
their fiercest rivals.
There is no get-out clause in Heinze’s contract, and United
have made it clear they will make it difficult for the
player to leave.
Heinze is currently on Copa America duty in Venezuela – he
played alongside Javier Mascherano in Argentina’s 4-2 defeat
of Colombia last night – and no decision is expected on his
future until Argentina’s tournament has ended.
But while Heinze has told Anfield officials he would relish
the chance to become the first player since Phil Chisnall in
1964 to move directly from United to Liverpool, United will
resist all efforts to prise him away.
After Patrice Evra took Heinze’s place at Old Trafford last
season and the Argentinean was seeking a much improved
contract offer, United let it be known they would be open to
offers for the player.
The player has either convinced Alex Ferguson of his form
and fitness, or United are mortified at Liverpool snatching
one of their defensive stars.
(Liverpool Echo)
Masch helps Argentina to another Copa win
Javier Mascherano again played the full 90 minutes as
Argentina secured their place in the last eight of the Copa
America earlier today.
The Liverpool midfielder played a key role in the 4-2 defeat
of Columbia in Maracaibo.
Argentina are now tied at the top of Group C with Paraguay,
who they meet in Baraquisimeto in the early hours of Friday
morning.
The quarter-finals take place at the weekend.
(LFC Official Website)
Hamill could make SPL return
Liverpool winger Adam Hammill's agent expects the youngster
to return to Scotland for a second loan spell.
The 19-year-old was an impressive performer for Dunfermline
last season, helping the Pars reached the Tennent's Scottish
Cup final.
He joined in January and experienced the disappointment of
relegation as Dunfermline's recovery came too late.
But Hammill's agent believes Liverpool are ready to let him
return to the SPL.
Agent Tamas Byrne told the Daily Mail: "I expect Adam to go
out on loan for next season and there's a good chance that
could again be in the SPL.
"His performances for Dunfermline have persuaded Liverpool
to talk about a new contract. I haven't finalised that yet
but, with two years left on his existing deal, the new
contract will be for three or four more years at Anfield.
"However the feeling is for him to spend another year
somewhere else gaining experience.
"There is some Championship interest from the likes of
Watford but if either of the Old Firm, or other SPL clubs,
are interested, then we would look at it very positively
indeed."
(TEAMtalk)
Roy Evans stays on at Wrexham
Wrexham manager Brian Carey has confirmed that former
Liverpool manager Roy Evans will continue his part-time
coaching role with the Dragons this season.
The 58-year-old Anfield legend was drafted in to provide
advice and a helping hand after Carey replaced Denis Smith
as Racecourse manager in January and he has now agreed to
stay on, subject to his international commitments as
assistant to Wales manager John Toshack.
Evans joined Carey and assistant manager Steve Weaver at
Colliers Park yesterday as the Wrexham players were put
through their paces at the official start of pre-season
training.
“It’s brilliant to have someone with Roy’s wealth of
experience wanting to help us out just as he did last
season,” said Carey.
“Obviously his job with Wales will come first and his
involvement here will extend to as little or as much as he
wants, but I’m delighted to have him on board as a member
of the coaching staff."
(Liverpool Daily Post)
First pre-season friendly
With all players returning to Melwood to begin pre-season
training this Thursday, Liverpool have their first
pre-season friendly at the Racecourse Ground when they play
Wrexham on Saturday.
(This is Anfield) |
|
MONDAY 2 |
Torres cuts short holiday,
poised to move to Liverpool
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has arrived back in
Madrid after cutting short a holiday in order to approve an
expected 27-million-pound ($54.29-million) move to
Liverpool, Spanish media reported on Monday.
The future of the 23-year-old Spain international has been
the subject of intense speculation since the end of the
Spanish season.
The speculation reached fever pitch after Atletico signed
Uruguay forward Diego Forlan from Villarreal at the weekend
in a move that appears designed to cover the likely
departure of their club captain.
Sports daily Marca reported on its Web site (www.marca.com)
on Monday that sources close to the player had said a deal
was very close to being finalised.
If the move does go through for the reported sum, it would
be the highest transfer fee paid for a Spanish player. The
record is held by midfielder Gaizka Mendieta who moved from
Valencia to Lazio for $41 million in 2001.
Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia, who is expected to move in
the opposite direction, arrived in Madrid on Monday to
undergo a medical on his injured knee prior to a likely
return to his former club.
(Reuters)
Fowler impressed by Torres
Kop legend Robbie Fowler has vacated his Liverpool striking
role and tipped Fernando Torres to be the perfect
replacement.
Veteran Fowler, who officially left the club when his
contract expired last week, is excited about the arrival of
the Spain hitman at Anfield.
Fowler said in a Sky Sports News interview: "His goals
record has been fantastic in Spain. He has scored plenty of
goals for his country as well. I think he will be a great
player for Liverpool."
(TEAMtalk)
Rush: Torres right for Reds
Ian Rush reckons Liverpool are right to break the bank for
Fernando Torres.
Newspaper reports suggest the Atletico Madrid striker is on
the brink of moving to Anfield in a £24million deal.
Torres is also believed to be holding out for wages of
£31million over six years and although the whole package
will set the Reds back a mammoth £57.9million, Rush believes
he is the man to fire them to glory.
"Liverpool are looking to get a genuine goalscorer," he told
Sky Sports News.
(Sky Sports)
CSKA Sofia midfielder Mihail Alexandrov
plans to join Liverpool
CSKA Sofia midfielder Mihail Alexandrov plans to join
Liverpool.
The 18-year-old Bulgarian told private Darik radio on Monday
that he had already passed a medical exam in Liverpool.
Alexandrov said he will finish the ongoing junior season
with CSKA before joining the Premier League club.
Bulgaria under-21 goalkeeper Nikolai Mihailov on Wednesday
signed a three-year contract with Liverpool.
(Reuters)
Report: Reds to step up Heinze bid
Liverpool will reportedly continue their pursuit of
Manchester United full-back Gabriel Heinze despite his
claims of interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Liverpool Echo claims Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is
hoping to bring in the Argentine left-back for £4m to end 43
years of no direct transfers between the two clubs.
(Sporting Life)
No offers for Fowler
Robbie Fowler has revealed he has had no offers since being
released by Liverpool.
The 32-year-old former England striker has been linked with
moves to MLS side New England Revolution and Australian
outfit Sydney FC.
But Fowler insists he has yet to hear from any club, adding
on Sky Sports News: “Obviously, not everyone can get a club
and I’m in that boat.
“My record speaks for itself. If I get offers, I get
offers.”
Asked whether he expected to be playing Premier League
football next season, Fowler – the division’s fourth highest
scorer – said: “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Fowler admitted he did not play as many games as he would
have liked after his dramatic return to Anfield 18 months
ago but added: “I was just made up to be back at Liverpool.
It’s a club close to my heart. It was great being back and I
wouldn’t have swapped that
for the world.”
(Ireland On-Line)
Garcia's Madrid move close
Liverpool forward Luis Garcia is set to complete a permanent
move to Atletico Madrid in the next 36 hours, according to
the player's agent.
The Spain international has been linked with a return to his
former club, who are believed to be close to agreeing a
separate £27million deal for striker Fernando Torres to move
the other way.
"We are working on Luis Garcia's permanent transfer to
Atletico de Madrid," Garcia's agent Manuel Garcia Quillon
said on Monday.
"If all goes well, the deal should be completed either today
or tomorrow."
Garcia arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2004 from
Barcelona and played a pivotal role in the Reds winning the
Champions League that season.
The 29-year-old suffered a serious knee injury this year in
January which curtailed
his season.
(Sporting Life)
I turned down Serie A for Anfield chance
Liverpool’s latest recruit has revealed he spurned a move to
Fiorentina to fulfil
his Anfield dream.
Bulgarian under-21 goalkeeper Nikolay Mikhailov became Rafa
Benitez’s latest recruit this week, joining the Reds on a
three-year deal from Levski Sofia.
But the 19-year-old admitted he was on the verge of signing
for the Serie A side before the call came though from
Anfield.
“I was supposed to sign for Fiorentina, but two days before
my medical tests there came the offer from Liverpool,” said
Mikhailov. “I have always dreamed of playing in England. I
just went straight away and never looked back. I know the
language and this will help me a lot.
"I will go to Liverpool to play football and to improve my
game. I am not in a hurry as I am still very young and the
future is ahead of me.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Blow for Rafa as Heinze hopes hit
Liverpool's hopes of landing Gabriel Heinze have been hit
after he admitted he wants to move to Italy or Spain if he
leaves Manchester United.
Reports at the weekend suggested Liverpool boss Rafael
Benitez had registered his interest in the Argentina
international and was preparing a £7million swoop.
But left-back Heinze, who is currently at the Copa America
in Venezuela, appeared to rule out a switch to United's
Premier League rivals by revealing his desire to join
Italian side Juventus or Spanish giants Real Madrid or
Barcelona.
He also admitted he would be happy to stay at Old Trafford
where he insists his life is "perfect".
He is quoted in the Manchester Evening News as saying: "The
good thing is the clubs which are being talked about are
super clubs. I already play for one super club and other
ones such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have been
mentioned.
"For me to go, the offer has to be good for everyone. I'm
very comfortable in Manchester. I've been a champion,
captain and the fans love me. Everything is perfect."
(TEAMtalk)
Zenden released by Liverpool
Bolo Zenden is now a free agent after being released by
Liverpool - just six weeks after he started the Champions
League final against AC Milan.
The 30-year-old midfielder was told before the final in
Athens that he would be moving on, but was then handing a
starting role by Rafael Benitez.
But speaking after the Reds' 2-1 defeat, the Spanish manager
said: "I spoke to Bolo before the final and told him that we
want to change things next season.
"I allowed him to open discussions with other clubs, no
secrets. Changes mean also that players will leave."
The former PSV man was not surprised by the news and said:
"I have had a lot of contact with the manager over the last
weeks and he was always open.
"I have had two great seasons at Liverpool, it is really a
great club to be part of. And I think Benitez was also
satisfied with me in the last years. I mean, he offers me a
free transfer, that says enough."
The Dutchman moved to Anfield in 2005 and made 47
appearances for the Reds in two injury-affected seasons.
(ITV Football)
Madrid or Bolton for Dudek?
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has revealed Bolton
are trying to tempt him to snub Real Madrid and stay in the
Premier League.
The Polish stopper is a free agent after being released by
Reds boss Rafael Benitez at the end of last season and it
was thought he would be heading to Spain after being offered
a contract by Real Madrid.
However, Dudek has now been forced to rethink his plans
after Trotters boss Sammy Lee made a last-minute bid to try
and lure him to the Reebok Stadium.
Dudek told The Sun: "I made a decision to leave England, but
Bolton's offer has made me have a rethink.
"I still haven't signed anything with Real Madrid and I have
other offers to consider very carefully."
Dudek would act as understudy to Iker Casillas if he decides
to move to the Bernabeu, but would have a greater chance of
first-team football if he joined Bolton.
(Sporting Life)
Despair for Gonzalez
There was little joy for Mark Gonzalez as Chile lost 3-0 to
Brazil in the Copa America tournament in Venezuela.
The Liverpool winger played the full 90 minutes and came to
close to scoring with a header, but a controversial penalty
decision turned the game in Brazil's favour. Robinho opened
the scoring from the spot in the first half and the Real
Madrid striker went on to score a hat-trick.
Chile now face Mexico in their final group game on
Wednesday.
(LFC Official Website)
Torres to take Anfield pay cut
Fernando Torres may be on the verge of becoming the most
expensive signing in Liverpool’s history, but the Spain
striker will take a pay cut to hasten his move to Anfield.
Torres has also indicated that he is prepared to cut short
his holiday to sign for Liverpool this week, but, failing
that, the Atlético Madrid forward will fly to Merseyside to
sign what is expected to be a five-year contract worth about
£90,000 a week when he returns from the Polynesian Islands
in seven days’ time.
Although the deal will put him among the club’s best-paid
earners, alongside Xabi Alonso and Jamie Carragher, it is
still less than the annual €8 million (about £5.4 million)
he presently earns with Atlético and some way short of the
reputed £120,000-a-week salary of Steven Gerrard,
Liverpool’s highest-paid player.
(The Times) |
|
SUNDAY 1 |
More new faces sign for Reds
Fernando Torres may be the name on everyone's lips, but
Rafael Benitez is also snapping up a bunch of new young
players.
In addition to Mikel San Jose, Nikolay Mikhailov, Krisztian
Nemeth, and Andras Simon, Liverpool have confirmed that they
have signed striker Marvin Pourie from Borussia Dortmund and
Alex Kacaniklic from Swedish club Helsingborgs.
(LFC Online)
Hero Kewell wins Socceroos praise
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has praised winger Harry
Kewell after the Liverpool star came off the bench to seal
Australia's win over Singapore on Saturday.
Australia, playing their final warm up game before the start
of the Asian Cup next weekend, were finding it tough going
against a hard-working Singapore side before Kewell was
introduced to the action.
Within minutes of coming on however, the Reds midfielder had
doubled Australia's lead and then laid on a third goal for
former Leeds team-mate Mark Viduka. As substitute
appearances go, it was certainly eventful.
"I'm delighted for Harry," claimed Arnold. "I gave him the
captain's armband for the last couple of minutes as a reward
for what he's been through.
"He was fantastic when he came on because he gives you an
added dimension. Harry came in more central from outside on
the wing to be closer to Viduka and I think it's a role that
suits him because he's a natural goalscorer."
(LFC Official Website)
Leiva injured
Lucas Leiva has pulled out of the under 20's World Cup.
Liverpool's new signing was due to captain Brazil at the
under 20's World Cup which started in Canada yesterday.
However, Levia has been forced to withdraw from the
tournament through injury.
The midfielder is expected to recover in time for the start
of the new season.
(LFC Online)
Thor Zakariassen
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