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WEDNESDAY 31 |
Reds swoop for Spanish pair
Liverpool have completed the signings of Deportivo La Coruna
defender Alvaro Arbeloa and Malaga midfielder Francisco
Manuel Duran.
Both players have passed medicals on Merseyside and
finalised their moves from Spain ahead of the transfer
deadline.
Arbeloa joined Deportivo from Real Madrid last year and has
made 20 appearances in
La Liga this season.
(LFC Official Website)
Dubai or not to buy?
Dubai International Capital's decision to walk away from its
proposed takeover of Liverpool is the end of a love affair
that grew cold with astonishing speed.
It was only a fortnight ago that Liverpool chief executive
Rick Parry was in bullish mood about the arrival at the
Shankly Gates of the investment arm of the Dubai government.
He told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek: "A huge amount of work
has been going on, we'll have something to say soon.
"Yes, the deal is looking positive and yes, I'm confident it
will go through. This will take us to the next level.
"But it's not a quick fix, a rich man's plaything. It's a
long-term model for success, based around the new stadium."
Not any more it isn't.
It appears hesitation on the part of the Liverpool board,
led by chairman David Moores, to formally accept DIC's bid
in the wake of a second offer from American George Gillett
has killed the deal stone dead.
(BBC Sport Online)
Consortium pulls out of Reds bid
Dubai International Capital has pulled out of proposed
takeover of Liverpool.
The announcement follows the failure of the club's board to
formally accept DIC's bid in the wake of a second offer from
American George Gillett.
DIC claimed the offer had been accepted in principle by
majority shareholder David Moores but they were unable to
make a formal offer to shareholders.
DIC chief executive Sameer Al Ansari said the group was
disappointed but added: "We won't overpay for assets."
(BBC Sport Online)
Alonso to serve suspension
Xabi Alonso faces a one match suspension after collecting
his fifth booking of the season at West Ham last night.
The Spanish midfielder was yellow carded for a foul on Nigel
Reo-Coker in the second half and will now miss the
Premiership clash at Newcastle on February 10.
(LFC Official Website)
Agger: This isn't about revenge
Centre-back Daniel Agger insists revenge will not be in the
air when Everton visit Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds lost 3-0 in the season's first Merseyside derby but
Agger claims he and his teammates will be thinking only of
picking up another three points.
"I don't think it's a case of wanting revenge. No matter who
we play, I want to win. Always. Okay, we lost at Goodison
Park but even if we hadn't I'd still want all three points
from this fixture," the Dane told LFC Magazine.
(LFC Official Website)
Reds can dish out the Blues
There is no doubt about the derby result on Saturday – if
Liverpool can repeat their last Anfield performance.
The victory over Chelsea was magnificent and everything
about that win – the performance, the passion, the tempo –
was spot on.
They did not let the Londoners relax and were just like a
rash all over them, so I am confident that the Reds can
maintain their impressive league form to keep the pressure
on Jose Mourinho’s men.
There are two other reasons why I think the red half of
Merseyside will be celebrating on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez’s side suffered one of their worst defeats of
the season at the hands of their neighbours and they will be
anxious to banish that memory.
And, secondly, the Blues’ most potent weapon, Andrew
Johnson, is out with injury.
(Tommy Smith - Liverpool Echo )
Mascherano free to join Liverpool
West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano has been given special
dispensation by Fifa to join Liverpool from West Ham.
Under Fifa's rules, a footballer cannot play competitively
for more than two different clubs between 1 July and 30 June
the following year.
Mascherano, 22, has already represented Corinthians and West
Ham in that time.
But Fifa said: "The Fifa single judge ruled that Javier
Mascherano is eligible to play in official matches with
Liverpool with immediate effect."
In the statement Fifa explained its ruling was determined
partly because the South American and European seasons
overlap.
A Liverpool spokesman confirmed: "Fifa has confirmed the
player is entitled to play for Liverpool.
"However, the move from West Ham still needs to be ratified
by the Premier League - and we await their decision."
(BBC Sport Online)
Arbeloa surprised by Reds deal
Liverpool target Alvaro Arbeloa has revealed his surprise
about his potential move to Anfield.
The Reds are expected to tie up a move for the Deportivo La
Coruna defender before the transfer window slams shut on
Wednesday.
Arbeloa has impressed at Deportivo this season after
arriving from Real Madrid last summer.
"My head is in the clouds," he told Marca. "I am going
because it is a marvellous opportunity but know I am leaving
many things behind here.
"It's a shame I'm leaving because I had hoped to spend many
years at Deportivo, but this is a great option for me.
"(Deportivo boss, Joaquin) Caparros has wished me lots of
luck. I must thank him so much because has played me in
every game and also other team-mates who people did not
believe in.
"I must also thank Depor because they believed in me and
it's a good transfer for them given the situation the club
is in."
(Sky Sports) |
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TUESDAY 30 |
Benitez beaming after Reds win
Rafa Benitez says his Liverpool side are full of confidence
after they continued their fine Premiership form with
victory at West Ham.
Two superb goals from Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch saw
Liverpool win 2-1 at Upton Park and see The Reds record a
ninth Premiership victory in their last ten games.
"In the first half, we were trying to keep the ball," said
Benitez.
"The game was balanced.
"In the second half, we got the ball and started controlling
the game. It was only at the end where we were a bit
nervous."
(Sky Sports)
Gerrard: Another great three points
Steven Gerrard was delighted to see Liverpool claim another
three Premiership points with victory over West Ham as the
Reds closed the gap further on the top two.
"It's a great three points for us," he said. "It means the
run has continued and now we need to keep it going until the
end of the season.
"It was a bit nervy when they scored at the end. We were 2-0
up but couldn't get the third goal and we were inviting them
onto us. The boys did well though and this is a good win."
The game was won in the second period when all the goals
were scored, but one of the highlights of a low key first
half was an unfortunate stumble by the Liverpool boss on the
touchline as he tried to control the ball.
"The boss is always telling the back four to stay on their
feet," joked Gerrard. "So maybe he'll have to let them off
the next time they don't!"
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool edge closer to Chelsea
Liverpool closed to within two points of Chelsea in second
place and plunged West Ham deeper into trouble.
Dirk Kuyt fired Liverpool ahead with a spectacular 25-yard
finish only 10 seconds after half-time.
And Peter Crouch's measured drive from the edge of the
penalty area doubled Liverpool's lead seven minutes later.
West Ham debut boy Kepa Blanco, on as a substitute, scored
with his first touch after 76 minutes, but Liverpool
survived for a deserved victory.
(BBC Sport Online)
Reds board want more time
The takeover of Liverpool was thrown into
confusion tonight when the club’s board met in a London
Docklands hotel – ahead of the game at West Ham – and did
not formally accept the bid from Dubai International
Capital.
The board, under chairman and owner David Moores, met to
consider the second bid from George Gillett – the owner of
Montreal Canadians ice hockey team – and it is believed
decided they needed more time to make a decision.
That, though, is expected to be by the end of the week with
the board accepting that they cannot delay a decision any
longer, with the need to start work on the club’s new
stadium in Stanley Park in March.
The Liverpool board’s lack of a decisive move has surprised
DIC, who have completed due diligence and want to make their
formal bid, via the Stock Exchange, for Moores’ 51.6%
majority shareholding early next week.
(Ireland On-Line)
Two changes for Reds at West Ham
Rafael Benitez has made two changes to the Liverpool team
for tonight's Premiership clash against West Ham.
Out go Jermaine Pennant and Fabio Aurelio, with Craig
Bellamy and Sami Hyypia coming in to replace them.
Bellamy will form a three-pronged attack alongside Dirk Kuyt
and Peter Crouch as Benitez opts for the system that worked
so effectively at Watford recently.
Team in full: Reina, Finnan, Riise, Hyypia, Agger,
Carragher, Gerrard, Alonso, Crouch, Kuyt, Bellamy. Subs:
Dudek, Fowler, Gonzalez, Pennant, Zenden
(LFC Official Website)
Liverpool snap up Depor defender
Liverpool have continued their flurry of activity ahead of
Wednesday night's transfer deadline by setting up the
signing of Deportivo La Coruna defender Alvaro Arbeloa.
With Rafa Benitez targeting three signings over the next
couple of days, the centre back is travelling to Merseyside
to undergo a medical.
Arbeloa is at home at centre half or right back.
"I'm as surprised as anyone," he said. "It looks like a good
move for me and Depor - especially as they are going to get
double what they paid for me."
(Eurosport)
Rafa's hungry like a wolf for Duran
Liverpool are set to acquire the services of promising
Spanish midfielder Francis Duran from Second Division team
Malaga.
The 18-year-old will travel to Liverpool on Tuesday and is
expected to sign a professional contract with the Reds,
according to the Spanish media.
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez: Next month will make or break us
Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool are entering a critical
month that will determine the remainder of their season.
The Spaniard’s side visit relegation-haunted West Ham United
in the Premiership this evening, where victory would
temporarily move them to within two points of second-placed
Chelsea, who are at home to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night.
“This time is a crucial time for us,” he said. “We have West
Ham, Everton, Newcastle and Manchester United all coming up
and at the same time we play Barcelona. It will be really
difficult with a lot of games together and you have to test
your squad."
(Liverpool Daily Post )
Riise reckons rest results in Red
revolution
John Arne Riise has said he believes the recent rest for the
Reds could be the key to a succesful Premiership run in.
Riise said the rest after Christmas meant he came back
feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.
Riise said, "Following our win at Watford we were allowed
three days off, which was brilliant for everybody. We could
go home and see our families and things like that. After
such a busy schedule at Christmas this was ideal to help us
refocus and come back feeling fresher."
He added, "It was brilliant to see them all. I feel like
I've got a new lease of life and came back ready to work
harder through to the end of the season. We would love to be
preparing for more cup games but we can't think about that
now."
(LFC Online)
Liverpool stars still waiting for medals
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock last night
revealed several players who took the club to Champions
League victory in 2005 are still waiting for medals.
The 25-year-old left back, who completed a £1.5m move to
Blackburn Rovers last week, said, while some club players
had received medals, others reported theirs had gone
missing.
Some players had even been asked to accept AC Milan's losers
medals as substitutes.
AC Milan Captain Paolo Maldini tore his medal off in
disappointment, and others refused to accept theirs after
the legendary game in Istanbul 15 months ago.
Last night, a spokesperson for UEFA, which runs the
Champions League, confirmed there had been problems
supplying the Liverpool squad with their winning medals.
An investigation would now be launched to find out what had
happened and whether medals could still be supplied.
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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MONDAY 29 |
Mannix completes Hamkam move
Former Liverpool starlet David Mannix has signed a
three-year deal with Norwegian club HamKam.
The 21-year-old midfielder was regarded as one to watch in
Merseyside, with some even comparing him to Xabi Alonso.
However the player, who was hit by several injuries, failed
to impress at Anfield and was released by Liverpool last
week.
According to HamKam's website there were a host of clubs
chasing Mannix including Burnley, Preston, Bristol City and
Scunthorpe United.
(Sky Sports)
Midfield duo set for Reds return
Liverpool could have midfielders Mohamed Sissoko and Bolo
Zenden back in their squad for the Premiership trip to West
Ham on Tuesday.
Sissoko has recovered from a dislocated shoulder while
Zenden is now over an ankle problem. Both are back in full
training and could come into boss Rafael Benitez's thinking
for a place on the bench at Upton Park.
Apart from Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell, still working his
way back from a groin problem, Liverpool have a virtually
injury-free squad ahead of their match against the
relegation-haunted Hammers.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia,
Riise, Aurelio, Gerrard, Pennant, Zenden, Sissoko, Alonso,
Fowler, Bellamy, Crouch, Kuyt, Dudek.
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez confident of Javier deal
Premiership ins and outsRafa Benitez remains confident of
bringing Javier Mascherano to Liverpool ahead of Wednesday
night's transfer deadline.
The unsettled West Ham midfielder has been a target for
Benitez all month but FIFA rules are blocking the Argentina
international from representing three clubs in one season.
Nevertheless, the Merseysiders have appealed and look set to
snare the South American on an 18-month deal.
"We are waiting for the answer from FIFA," he told a press
conference. "It's clear a player must play.
"There are other cases, similar cases and we have to wait
now but I am confident.
"They need to decide right now as we have just two or three
days [left].
"He will come here for at least one year and a half.
"I knew of the player when I was at Valencia and, at the
World Cup, he was very good in all the games.
"He can bring character and quality, the things we will need
maybe in some games and, if he plays well, he will put the
other players under pressure."
(Eurosport)
Momo back in contention for derby
Rafael Benitez has been handed a double boost with the news
that Momo Sissoko and Bolo Zenden are back in training and
could feature in Saturday's Merseyside derby with Everton
The Mali international hasn't featured since injuring his
shoulder against Birmingham in the Carling Cup on November
8th while Zenden hasn't played since he had knee surgery
after the 1-0 win over Manchester City on November 29th.
While the manager admitted that Tuesday's trip to West Ham
would probably be too early for the pair to return he is
confident they will be available for the derby.
"It is good news for us to have Momo and Bolo back and they
are both training well," revealed Benitez.
"Momo is flying into tackles in training and showing good
energy and I will check with the doctor to see how his
shoulder is and maybe he can play a part against Everton."
(LFC Official Website)
Neill doubt for Liverpool test
West Ham defender Lucas Neill is a doubt for Tuesday's
Premiership clash against Liverpool after limping out of his
debut with an ankle injury.
Calum Davenport is available after being cup-tied for the
defeat to Watford on Saturday, with Anton Ferdinand (calf),
Danny Gabbidon and James Collins (both groin) missing that
match.
Carlos Tevez is struggling with a calf injury but Marlon
Harewood is available again after suspension.
West Ham (from): Green, Carroll, Dailly, Spector, Pantsil,
Mears, Konchesky, Davenport, McCartney, Benayoun, Newton,
Quashie, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Mascherano, Etherington, Noble,
Boa Morte, Sheringham, Zamora, Cole, Harewood.
(TEAMtalk)
Double deal on cards for Reds
Liverpool are keen to offer Steven Gerrard and Jamie
Carragher new deals.
The Reds are examining the contracts of all their senior
stars in light of new rules over contracts that are due to
come into force in August.
FIFA have adopted European Union law, which means a player
can effectively ‘buy out’ the remaining period of his
contract with just 15 days notice if the deal was signed
prior to the age of 28 and provided he has completed three
entire seasons’ service, or three entire years.
If the contract was signed after he reaches 28, only two
seasons or years must be served.
Both Gerrard and Carragher’s “protected periods” are some
way off, but the Reds are keen to avoid unnecessary
speculation regarding their futures.
(Liverpool Echo)
Potter not ruing move
Darren Potter does not regret leaving Liverpool for Wolves.
The Academy graduate has joined Wolves on a permanent deal
after impressing during a loan spell at the club. Despite
being a Liverpool fan, Potter says he has no regrets in
agreeing to leave the Reds.
"I would have liked to stay at Liverpool for the next 10 to
15 years but you have to be realistic," said the midfielder.
"I was there for six years and my chances were limited, but
that's because of the quality of players they have there.
Reality kicked in and told me I wasn't going to make it.
"You need to be in that Premiership squad of 16-18 players
every week. You only have to look around the dressing room.
For me to dislodge players like Gerrard, Alonso and Sissoko
would have been so difficult. All those local born players
who left will say they had a fair crack of the whip. Rafael
Benitez gave us all a good go at it.
"I have no regrets. I have had a good football education
under Steve Heighway at the youth academy. We have been
brought up in the Liverpool way and we know it is
the right way."
(LFC Online)
Carragher focused on derby revenge
Jamie Carragher is seeking payback in next weekend’s
Merseyside derby – after Everton were responsible for the
lowest point of his 10-year career earlier this season.
Liverpool suffered their worst derby defeat for 42 years at
Goodison Park in September.
And Carragher is already eyeing up next weekend’s return.
“The derby at Goodison earlier this season was as bad as
I’ve ever felt in football so I’d love to change that whole
match,” he declared.
“I once scored two own goals against Manchester United,
which was pretty bad, and there was a game against
Middlesbrough when I was about 19 – it was a League Cup
semi-final, I gave a penalty away and was probably at fault
for the second goal meaning we missed out on a place in the
final.
“But I’ve never experienced a worse feeling after a game
than when we lost 3-0 to Everton last September. I’d been
injured beforehand and thought I was ready to return but I
wasn’t. I let the supporters and my team-mates down badly
that day.”
(Liverpool Echo)
Hibbert is eyeing a derby return
Tony Hibbert has set his sights on a shock Premiership
comeback in Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.
The Everton right-back played the full 90 minutes of his
team’s 1-1 friendly draw at Bournemouth at the weekend, his
first action of any sort since suffering a serious groin
injury in October.
Hibbert has made only four senior appearances this season
after also picking up a rare stomach bug during the summer
that ruled him out of the opening weeks of the campaign.
(Liverpool Daily Post) |
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SUNDAY 28 |
Dubai group expect success
Dubai International Capital say they still expect to
takeover Liverpool despite the buy-out approach from
American George Gillett.
Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team,
has confirmed an interest in the last week in trying to buy
the club and will now be allowed to look over the books
having made an approach.
Liverpool revealed to the London Stock Exchange that it had
received an approach from Gillett that "may or may not lead
to an offer.''
But after holding talks with the Liverpool board for the
past couple of months, the DIC group remain confident that
they remain in pole position to take control at Anfield.
Dubai International's executive chairman Sameer al-Ansari
said: "I understand he offered £5,000 a share while we
offered £4,500 a share.
(Clubcall Sports)
Spurs linked with Crouch bid
Tottenham are being linked with a move for Liverpool and
England striker Peter Crouch.
The giant hitman began his career as a trainee at White Hart
Lane and The People claim Martin Jol wants to bring him back
to the club.
(Sporting Life)
Rafa: West Ham's as big as Chelsea
Rafael Benitez looked ahead to Tuesday's trip to Upton Park
and insisted: "There's no point beating Chelsea and then
losing to West Ham."
Liverpool's victory last weekend saw them climb to within
five points of the Champions and the Reds have a chance to
further reduce the gap when they take on the
relegation-battling Hammers this week.
"As always, our idea is to take things one game at a time.
You can't beat Chelsea and then lose to West Ham otherwise
the position will be similar to what it was.
"This game is just as important. We need to win it and not
think about other challenges. The players understand that
each three points are just as important and that means that
we are moving in the right direction."
(LFC Official Website)
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Thor Zakariassen
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