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WEDNESDAY 24 |
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Di Vaio snubs Liverpool swap
Valencia striker Marco Di Vaio insists he has no intention
of joining Liverpool in a swap deal with Fernando Morientes.
The Italian forward claims his club have approached him
about the prospect of signing for Rafael Benitez's men in a
deal which would take Morientes to the Mestalla.
"They have spoken to me about that proposal," he said.
"Valencia wants Morientes but I don't want to know anything
about a possible exchange.
"I'm not going to go where I don't want, more so, if it
means that another player joins Valencia. I'm not a parcel,
I have a family."
The former Italian international has set his sights on a
permanent move to Monaco, where he was on loan from December
until the end of the season.
"I already told (Valencia sporting director Amedeo) Carboni
that I will do everything possible to remain at Monaco,"
added Di Vaio.
"Monaco is my priority. If that cannot be then I will
consider other offers."
(Sporting Life)
Parry planning for mandatory improvement
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has been talking about
how important it is for the club to continue to make
improvement.
Last season was deemed a success because Rafa managed to
close the gap between ourselves and Chelsea plus of course
he brought the FA Cup back to Anfield.
But even while the Reds were in Cardiff, they were already
discussing next season's assault on the Premiership.
Parry said: "On the eve of the game I was talking to Rafa
about next season. On the morning of the game we were
talking about next season. Immediately after our triumph
over West Ham we were talking about next season.
"It's the way it has to be. You always have to be thinking
one step ahead. It's the nature of the Premier League right
now.
"Once again, we are looking forward and while we know it
will not be easy to take the next step, we have a belief
that anything is achievable with good management and world
class planning."
(Kop Talk)
Feyenoord rule out Kuyt sale
Feyenoord have insisted that their star striker Dirk Kuyt is
not for sale amid interest from Newcastle and Liverpool.
Kuyt has revealed he would love to play in England once the
World Cup is over and has said Liverpool are keen on signing
him.
Feyenoord have now indicated the player will be staying in
Holland next season. No offers have been made for the player
as yet but the Dutch club say they will knock them back if
any are made.
"Nobody has come in for Dirk," a Feyenoord spokesman
revealed.
"He is contracted until 2009 so we expect him here next
season, but you never know. He also said he would only leave
for one of his dream teams."
(Clubcall Sports)
Reds make new Gonzalez permit bid
Liverpool are to make a fresh bid to secure a work permit
for 21-year-old Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez.
Liverpool's bid to sign Gonzalez in 2005 collapsed after the
Home Office refused him a work permit because Chile's Fifa
ranking was too low.
But the Reds agreed a four-year deal in principle to sign
the international from Spanish side Albacete in January.
Chief executive Rick Parry told the club's website the Reds
would try again for a work permit on 1 June.
"There are many different factors this time," said Parry.
"Firstly, we're signing Mark on a permanent deal, whereas a
year ago it was initially a one season loan.
"He's also fully fit having recovered from the serious
injury he had this time last year,and Chile have also broken
into the world's top 70 in the Fifa rankings."
(BBC Sport Online)
Striker decision within 48 hours
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes is to meet his board
within the next 48 hours to discuss his summer transfer
plans.
At that meeting Hughes will also enquire if he has the
backing to make a formal bid for Liverpool striker Florent
Sinama Pongolle, who is currently representing the France
Under 21's at the UEFA Under 21 Championships.
Flo enjoyed a loan spell with Rovers last season and
although he failed to make a massive impact, Hughes was
still impressed with his overall contribution and attitude.
Once again though buying clubs are looking for favours as
they hope Liverpool will only ask for a low fee. If they
don't, then their interest in Flo will end.
(Kop Talk)
Vignal departs Pompey for Lens
Former Liverpool and Rangers full-back Gregory Vignal has
joined Lens on a four-year contract from Portsmouth.
The 24-year-old returns to France on a permanent deal six
years after signing at Anfield under Gerard Houllier,
although he has had loan spells in his homeland with Bastia
and Rennes.
Vignal said: "I have signed for four years and it is a good
thing because I
needed stability."
(TEAMtalk)
New African signing imminent
Liverpool are close to signing a deal with African club
Ashantigold F.C. that would see the two clubs working in
partnership together moving forward.
Liverpool chief executive, Rick Parry has sent coaches,
Stuart Gelling and Gareth Evans to Ghana to investigate
further.
Gelling told the club's official web site:
"We hope to enjoy our stay and learn a great deal of
Ghanaian football. We have come here with an open mind to
have a look at Ashantigold and report back to Mr. Rick Parry
who sent us,
"We will look out at players with the required standards for
European football. Ashantigold approached Liverpool and
requested our support. So why not give them a try?"
The visit to Ghana is the second exchange between the two
clubs after Ashantigold officials visited Liverpool back in
January for talks.
(all3points)
Kuyt: Liverpool back in for me
Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt has claimed Liverpool have
expressed fresh interest in signing him and he would like to
move to the Premiership.
Kuyt has recently been linked with a move to Newcastle but
Liverpool are one of a number of clubs who considered buying
the prolific hitman last summer.
The 25-year-old Dutchman has scored 71 goals in 101 games
for Feyenoord but has consistently been priced out of a move
by his club.
Kuyt, quoted in The Independent, said: "Jorien van den Herik
[Feyenoord president] has informed me of a new approach from
last year's European champions, but it is out of my hands.
"I have several opportunities but it is now down to
Feyenoord. I am happy at Feyenoord but would like to play in
the Premier League.
"Last year that was close to happening so for now I prefer
to concentrate only on the World Cup because my hopes could
be soured again."
(TEAMtalk) |
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TUESDAY 23 |
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Traore eyes Reds exit
Liverpool defender Djimi Traore could be set to quit
Anfield.
The Reds are believed to be ready to listen to offers for
Traore, as they plan for next season.
The expected arrival of Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio
from Valencia would increase competition for places even
more at the FA Cup winners and in the process restricting
Traore's chances of playing regularly.
The player's agent Willie McKay revealed Liverpool were
willing to let Traore leave for the right price and that a
number of clubs were monitoring his situation.
"I have been told to try and find Djimi a new club," McKay
told skysports.com.
"Djimi is keen to move to a club where he will be playing
regularly and I am speaking to several clubs about him.
"We just hope Liverpool will be sympathetic when it comes to
what they want for Djimi.
"He is the second-longest serving player currently at the
club and he has been a great servant to them.
"He never cost much when he joined them and we hope we can
agree on a fee
for him to leave."
(Sky Sports)
No place for Hyypia
Finland coach Roy Hodgson has named a 23-man squad for
Thursday's friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg.
Former Reds ace Jari Litmanen (35) is included but Liverpool
defender Sami Hyypia has been left out.
(Kop Talk)
Reina: I have changed my style
Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has admitted he has been
forced to change his playing style since moving to England.
Reina enjoyed a successful debut season in England this
term, helping Liverpool achieve the best defensive record in
the league.
The former Villarreal and Barcelona custodian admits English
football is more physical than its Spanish counterpart and
that he has had to adapt to the changes.
"In England I have learned to change my style," said Reina.
"It is better to fist the ball rather than catch it
especially outside the six-yard box.
"The game is more physical than in Spain and the referees
also allow more things than in Spain."
Reina ended the season in style by helping Liverpool lift
the FA Cup after saving three penalties in a dramatic
shoot-out win over West Ham.
Reina recently married and he joked there was a downside to
his decision to wed just before the World Cup as he has been
forced to join up with his team-mates at their World Cup
training camp.
"I'm very happy with my new status, but now I'm going to
have to spend my honeymoon with 22 other blokes," joked
Reina.
"We decided to get married last week so that I could focus
on the World Cup and not be distracted by the wedding
preparations."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard helps punter scoop £125k
Trainee accountant Chris Marshall has won a £125,000 jackpot
as a result of Steven Gerrard's double against West Ham in
the FA Cup Final.
The 23-year-old was the winner of a 2005-06 Dream Team
contest run by a national newspaper but until Gerrard
struck, he was set to come in 2nd.
Chris said: "I had gone into the FA Cup Final seven points
ahead of the second team, owned by Jim Munsey.
"But he had Yossi Benayoun, of West Ham, in his side and he
looked as though he could be getting the man of the match
award until Gerrard took over.
"I watched the game at Varsity in Huddersfield and it was a
fantastic feeling when Gerrard scored his second goal.
"I knew there was still the European Champions Final between
Arsenal and Barcelona to come, but all three leaders in the
Dream Team league only had Thierry Henry in
their line-ups".
(Kop Talk)
Nando agent rubbishes rumours
Fernando Morientes will not be returning to Spain this
summer, according to the Liverpool striker's agent.
The 30-year-old, who was left out of Spain's squad for next
month's World Cup, has been linked with moves to Real Betis
and Valencia in the Primera Liga.
Morientes joined Liverpool in January 2005 from Real Madrid
but has struggled to adapt to the Premiership, scoring just
12 goals since his £6.3 million move.
"These are only rumours made up by the press," said agent
Gines Carvajal.
"There's nothing real - the only thing that is certain is
Morientes has two years left on his contract with
Liverpool."
(TEAMtalk)
Pongolle determined - Le Tallec injured
Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle says he will do
what he can to help fire France to glory when the UEFA
European Under-21 Championship's kick-off this evening.
Pongolle should start for France against the host nation
Portugal and the player is upbeat and looking forward to
getting his boots on again in front of the 30,000 sell-out
crowd at the Estádio Municipal de Braga
Asked if he could finish as the tournament's top goalscorer,
Flo said: "I have a lot of ambition, I love competition and
I love a challenge.
"If I can score the goals for the team then I would say why
not?
"We haven't been to the U21 finals for a long time and of
course for us it is a good opportunity to show how good we
are because it is really a big competition."
Anthony Le Tallec aggravated a groin muscle problem during a
training session, which almost certainly means he will not
be available until France face Germany on Thursday at the
earliest.
(Kop Talk)
Dudek surprise at axe
Jerzy Dudek initially thought his omission from Poland's
World Cup squad was 'a joke'.
The veteran goalkeeper was left out of his country's 23-man
setup for next month's tournament in Germany after
struggling for first-team football this season.
Dudek made just six appearances for Liverpool as he spent
the campaign as understudy to Jose Reina after being the
club's UEFA Champions League hero 12 months ago.
His plight at Anfield cost the 33-year-old his World Cup
opportunity, although Dudek still expected to be one of
Poland's three keepers.
The shot-stopper was surprised to be axed and was also
disappointed with how coach Pawel Janas handled the
situation.
"I rang my cousin who told me I wasn't going," said Dudek.
"I thought it had to be joke. I thought I'd see on the news
it was all a big joke.
"Days before Janas announced the squad, we spoke and I was
going to the World Cup.
"I've never had a bad game for my country. He should have
explained to me why, but nothing, not one word."
(Sky Sports)
Nando demands to scupper Betis bid
Real Betis want to sign Liverpool striker Fernando
Morientes, but his financial demands could scupper the deal.
The Spanish international moved to Anfield from Real Madrid
for a fee of £6.3million in January 2005.
But since then he's failed miserably to live up to his lofty
reputation, and has struggled to make a regular first-team
impression.
Liverpool now seem ready to offload him, and are resigned to
losing cash in the process.
(Sporting Life)
Former red back in management
Former Liverpool midfielder Nigel Spackman has been named
manager of League one side Millwall.
The Lions suffered relegation from the Championship last
season but chairman Stewart Till is confident Spackman is
the right man to transform the fortunes of the London club.
(LFC Official Website)
Ex-Anfield midfielder in Chester talks
Former Liverpool midfielder Richie Partridge is the latest
player to be linked with a possible move to Chester City.
The 25-year-old Irishman left Anfield last season and joined
Championship club Sheffield Wednesday. However the move
didn't work out and Partridge was released by the
Yorkshiremen last week.
Partridge was with Liverpool for seven seasons and was a
regular member of the club's reserve team.
During his spell with Liverpool, he spent loan periods with
Bristol Rovers and
Coventry City.
(Daily Post)
Reds to face Wrexham in pre-season
Liverpool have confirmed they will face Wrexham
in their first pre-season friendly of the summer.
A Reds' X1 will travel to the Racecourse Ground to face the
League Two side on Saturday July 15.
The side is unlikely to feature any of the players who will
have represented their countries during the World Cup.
"Over the past two years since we have been in
administration, Liverpool have been superb with us," said
Wrexham boss Denis Smith.
"They have provided us with a lifeline now in each of the
last two years and we are very grateful for their
friendship."
This friendly is the second to be confirmed by the Reds so
far, with a trip to face Crewe pencilled in for the
following Saturday on July 22.
(LFC Official Website) |
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MONDAY 22 |
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New Reds' stadium in cash delay risk
Cash for Liverpool FC's new stadium may be at risk from
another delay, it has been claimed.
Plans to publicise the loss of part of Stanley Park, where
the club's new home would be built, are now on hold.
The advertisement, agreed by the council less than twoweeks
ago, would prove that the project is still on track and help
convince European officials to hand over about £10m.
But ahandful of city councillors want the proposal
investigated further and have ordered it beforea town hall
committee.
It means the advert will not be made for a few more weeks,
possibly longer.
The Reds have less than three months to provide a cast-iron
guarantee thatthe 60,000-seater stadium will be built - or
millions of pounds of European cash could be lost.
(Liverpool Echo)
Reds ponder Melli move
Liverpool are ready to turn to Spain again for summer
reinforcements after being linked with a move for Real Betis
defender Melli.
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Liverpool are keeping
tabs on the young central defender.
The Reds are believed to have watched Melli on several
occasions this season after he impressed in the two UEFA
Champions League encounters between the sides this year.
Melli is highly-regarded at Betis and he still has four
years to run on his contract with the Seville-based club.
(Sky Sports)
Baggies want to hold onto Kirkland
West Brom are keen to get Chris Kirkland back for another
season on loan at the Hawthorns.
The Liverpool keeper broke his finger in the final weeks of
West Brom's season.
But now they have been relegated to the Championship it is
unsure whether they will be able to secure Kirkland's
services for another season.
"Chris had a good time here and I know the coaching staff,
especially Joe Corrigan, like him and like working with
him," said chairman chairman Jeremy Peace.
"Given the chance we'd like to have him back. But it's up to
Liverpool and Chris, although we gather Chris wouldn't mind
coming back.
"The reality we have to accept is that we're a Championship
club and he's used to the Premiership. Whether that has an
influence, who knows?"
(LFC Online)
Reds on top of the world?
Liverpool are hoping to be named World Team of the Year at
Monday's prestigious Laureus Sports Awards in Barcelona.
Rafael Benitez's side will be up against this Barcelona, the
All Blacks Rugby Union team and the Renault F1 team.
The nominees were selected by over 700 sports writers and
editors around the world.
Winners will be chosen by the 42 members of the Laureus
World Sports Academy.
(LFC Online)
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Thor Zakariassen
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