|
|
|
|
FRIDAY 6 |
|
|
Atletico play down Galletti rumours
Atletico Madrid have denied receiving any approaches for
their Argentine star Luciano Galletti, amid claims that
Liverpool and Middlesbrough were interested.
The Argentine international moved to the Vicente Calderon in
the summer from Real Zaragoza, but he has struggled to hold
down a regular first team berth this term.
First Liverpool and then Boro have been linked with possible
moves for the right sided midfielder, but Atletico have told
skysports.com that they have received no bids and they would
like to keep the player anyway.
"We have not received any offers for Luciano Galletti,"
Atletico's sporting director Toni Munoz told skysports.com.
"He is a player that only arrived last summer and he still
is in the plans of the coach.
"At this moment we would not predict his exit, during this
time it is normal for rumours to happen but Atletico are
very clear on the situation."
(Sky Sports)
Juventus and Atletico Madrid players
linked
Liverpool have been linked with Juventus defender Jonathan
Zebina today.
Reports originating from Italy claim that the Reds are "very
close" to a deal for the 27-year-old.
Meanwhile Liverpool have also been linked with Atletico
Madrid's Luciano Galletti and there are suggestions by the
media that he's already spoken to Anfield executives about a
January transfer.
(Kop Talk)
Old friends to meet again
Luton striker Warren Feeney aims to force best
friend Harry Kewell to empty his wallet - by knocking
Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
Feeney and Reds winger Kewell will be on opposing sides in
the FA Cup third-round tie at Kenilworth Road, but they have
been firm friends since their days as young players at Leeds
from 1998 to 2001.
"It will be great to see him. Even though our careers took
different paths when I left Leeds at the age of 20, we
stayed in contact and we're still the best of friends."
(TEAMtalk)
Benitez: We're going there to win
Rafael Benitez's first brush with the FA Cup
produced humiliation and the wrath of his newly-adopted home
but the Spaniard insists it will be different the second
time around.
Mention Burnley to the Liverpool manager and he manages a
weak smile - no doubt caused by the memory of the mauling he
received for what was perceived was an insult to the most
famous cup competition in the world.
Now with another third round tie looming, away to Luton,
Benitez said: "I can promise everyone that we will be trying
to win.
"And I would love to see Liverpool in the final, all the
better if it's at Wembley.
"When we lost at Burnley last season it was probably our
lowest point."
(TEAMtalk)
Kromkamp set to feature
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will make a late
decision on what role newly signed full-back Jan Kromkamp
will play in the FA Cup third round tie at Luton.
The Dutchman has only had a couple of training sessions with
his new team-mates, so may well be named only on the bench.
Striker Fernando Morientes has a chance of being available
after a knee problem, and young goalkeeper Scott Carson
could also come in to give Jose Reina a rest - but Benitez
is unlikely to copy the wholesale changes he made in the
side for last season's embarrassing exit at this stage
against Burnley.
(Sporting Life)
Jose hits out at Reds
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has claimed Liverpool are just
a one trick pony as all they can do is defend.
The Reds recently kept an impressive 10 consecutive clean
sheets in The Premiership prior to conceding against
Everton, but it is not their ability to protect their goal
that has the Portuguese tactician flustered.
Mourinho believes it is difficult to hit the back of the net
against teams utilising Liverpool's style and that you have
to out-think your opponents rather than playing with your
heart.
"In fact they defend very well," explained Mourinho, "But
they offer nothing else other than that.
"It is very difficult to score goals when you take on a team
playing with that style.
"If you are playing that sort of team you have to do it with
your head. You have to take your heart out and place it to
one side.
"If you play with your heart it is practically impossible to
get past their defence."
(Sky Sports) |
|
|
THURSDAY 5 |
|
|
Reds confirm Agger could do
Liverpool have confirmed their interest in Brondby star
Daniel Agger.
However, Danish sources insist that the 24-year-old has
already agreed terms with the European champions and that
only a fee needs to be agreed between the two clubs.
Reds chief executive Rick Parry has now admitted that Agger
is on Rafa Benitez's list of targets - but he would go no
further.
"He is a central defender and we need at least one defender
so we have a list of possibles," he told Danish state
broadcaster DR.
"His name is on it - but that's all I want to say at this
moment in time."
Despite Parry's comments, DR say that Agger will seal his
move within the next few days with a fee of £5.5 million
expected to be enough for his club Brondby to sell.
(Sky Sports)
Anfield to host England
Anfield is set to welcome the England team on March 1st as
they face Uruguay in a friendly game.
Liverpool star Peter Crouch should expect a far better
reception than he got from the well-informed Manchester
public when England played Poland on October 12th last year.
England team-mate Joe Cole described the boos greeting
Crouch's arrival as substitute during the game as
"ridiculous".
On the Uruguay game England boss Sven Goran Eriksson said
"Uruguay are a very well-organised team, are very difficult
to play against and came very close to qualifying for
Germany.
"They will be tough and a similar challenge to our group
opponents Paraguay."
England have played Uruguay nine times, winning twice,
drawing three times and losing four matches. The last game
was a 0-0 draw in March 1995"
England v Uruguay, Anfield, 7.45pm, 1 March 2006
(18-5.com)
Kromkamp: This is a dream move
Anfield new boy Jan Kromkamp has described his move to the
current champions of Europe as a 'dream come true' during
his first ever interview in England.
The Dutch international, capped eight times by his country,
told liverpoolfc.tv today that joining a club the size of
Liverpool has been his ambition ever since he started
playing football as a boy in school.
"Ever since I was young it was a dream of mine to one day
play football as a professional in England," revealed the
25-year-old defender. "To actually achieve that goal and
join the Champions League holders is unbelievable.
Everything happened so quicky over Christmas and within days
of finding out I was wanted by Rafael Benitez, I was on my
way to Liverpool and signing for the club.
"I've only been here for a few days but already I realise
just how big a club I've joined. I knew lots about Liverpool
before I arrived because everyone in Holland follows the
Premiership and everyone in the world knows of Liverpool
Football Club but to see the facilities here at Melwood
really brings it home to you about how serious this club is.
(LFC Official Website)
Benitez planning more signings
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he's still in the market
for new players after completing the signing of Jan Kromkamp
from Villarreal today.
Daniel Agger is expected to sign over the next few days but
there are suggestions that Simao Sabrosa's proposed move
could be off due to Benfica trying it on with the transfer
fee.
Speaking this afternoon, Rafa said: "We don't need a lot of
players but we are looking at who is available and who would
be right for us."
(Kop Talk)
Reds look at Fabio
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is looking to his former club
Valencia for new faces with Brazilian defender Fabio Aurelio
his target.
The South American's current contract at The Mestalla
expires at the end of June and he is now able to discuss a
move away from the club.
Valencia chiefs will hold last-ditch talks with Aurelio next
week aimed at tying him to a new deal, but they have so far
refused to meet his wage demands.
Reds boss Benitez is keen to build on his squad during the
transfer window, and the 26-year-old could be the next on
his list.
The Brazilian, who operates at left back or in midfield, is
also being looked at by Real Madrid and Barcelona but he has
fond memories of Benitez from his days in charge
at Valencia.
(Sky Sports)
Benitez cool on Simao move
Liverpool have cooled their interest in Benfica winger Simao
Sabrosa - as Daniel Agger took a step closer to leaving
Brondby today.
Rafa Benitez is not planning a fresh approach for Portuguese
international Simao, despite making a £10m bid for the right
winger last summer.
Benfica's signing of Laurent Robert has increased
speculation Simao will leave the Stadium of Light, and
Liverpool are his first choice.
But despite claims Liverpool are back in the bidding,
there's no prospect of Benitez reigniting his efforts at
this stage, unless Benfica substantially reduce their asking
price for the 26-year-old.
(Liverpool Echo)
Traore linked with moves
Thursday's newspapers are claiming Liverpool full-back Djimi
Traore is on the verge of leaving Anfield.
The 25-year-old was signed by Gerard Houllier in February
1999 and was a member of the Liverpool side that won last
year's Champions League final.
However he has struggled to hold down a regular first-team
spot and the Daily Mirror reports he is a target for Fulham
boss Chris Coleman.
The Daily Record claims he is one of three Liverpool players
Vladimir Romanov is keen to take to Hearts.
(Sporting Life)
Walcott: I'm a Liverpool fan
Teenage sensation Theo Walcott has gone on record admitting
that he's a Liverpool fan.
That's no secret of course because as previously reported on
KOPTALK.COM, Walcott's immediate family are Reds!
Liverpool have already tabled an offer for the 16-year-old
Southampton ace but that was immediately turned down.
Although the player is valued highly, Liverpool's bid was
believed to be around the £3million mark which suggests to
us that they know that they don't have to enter a bidding
war to secure his services.
No matter how much money another club offers, if Walcott
want a move to Anfield, he can dig his heels in and sit
tight - something Michael Owen didn't do in the summer.
Asked who he supported as a boy [ED: He's a boy now surely
lol!], Walcott said: "I was a Liverpool fan because dad
followed them.
"I wasn't alive during the goldern era but I enjoyed
watching the likes of Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steve
McManaman.
"When Liverpool won the Champions League, I went mad. I was
shouting so loud I think I woke up the entire village!"
(Kop Talk)
Dudek pleads for move
Jerzy Dudek has pleaded with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to
let him leave Anfield in the transfer window.
The UEFA Champions League hero is growing increasingly
frustrated at playing second fiddle to Jose Reina and wants
to move to safeguard his international place.
"I hope that I will be able to leave because my situation is
beginning to make me angry," said the Polish keeper. "I have
promised myself that I will do everything to leave.
"My time at Liverpool is over but I can't look for an
alternative on my own.
"This week I will meet with Benitez and see what he will let
me do. All I want is to find a new club and be able to
prepare for the World Cup.
"I'm going to hold a grudge against him if he doesn't let
him me go in January.
"I have never been one to make problems and I have made that
clear to Benitez.
"I hope on this occasion he'll show me the same respect I
show him. I hope that we will be able to talk things
through."
(Sky Sports)
Rafa wants transfer backing
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has called on the club's board
to give him the backing he needs in the transfer market.
Benitez has already been wheeling and dealing in the January
transfer market having brought in Jan Kromkamp and Paul
Anderson while letting Josemi and John Welsh leave.
The Spaniard is determined to continue his reshaping of the
Anfield squad and is hoping to push through a deal for
Danish international Daniel Agger.
Reports suggest Liverpool have tabled a bid for the Brondby
defender and are looking to clinch his signature in the next
week.
Benitez, referring to the Spanish custom of exchanging
presents on King's Day, which is on Friday, is hoping that
Liverpool officials with now support him with more funds to
bolster his squad with further signings.
"What I would like for King's Day is for my bosses to behave
in exactly the same respectful manner towards me that they
have been doing so far," said Benitez.
"But what I also would like to see is an extra effort to get
what I need to improve
the team."
(Sky Sports)
Familiar poser for Liverpool manager
For Rafael Benitez, last season's FA Cup third round
constituted his worse mistake as Liverpool manager.
The Spaniard would never admit it but he was stunned to find
himself taking the full force of English criticism for
fielding a weakened side at Burnley and the resulting 1-0
defeat on a bitterly cold night in Lancashire.
Benitez faces a carbon copy tie on Saturday, away to Luton
at the same stage, aware now - if was not last January -
that his decision to take a big selection risk at Turf Moor
was considered an insult that devalued the world's most
famous cup competition.
How he handles a trip to Kenilworth Road in front of the TV
cameras is open to debate.
With crucial Premiership and Champions League games on the
horizon, he will again have priorities elsewhere.
(Daily Post)
Wenger weighs up £5m move for Liverpool
cast-off Diarra
Arsène Wenger is weighing up an unexpected £5m transfer move
for the Liverpool reject Alou Diarra this month, a
midfielder considered capable of filling Patrick Vieira's
boots. The 24-year-old was Gérard Houllier's first signing
at Anfield in 2002 but featured only once before being
farmed out on loan to Le Havre, Bastia and Lens, where he
now plays.
Diarra had previously failed to make the grade in two
seasons at Bayern Munich, whom he joined while still in his
teens. However, since moving to Lens in 2004 he has won
seven caps with the France national team. Capable of scoring
goals from a holding midfield position, Diarra is regarded
as France's answer to Chelsea's Ghanaian midfielder Michael
Essien.
(The Guardian)
Platt: Gerrard the main man
Former England international David Platt says Steven Gerrard
is the key man in the Liverpool side.
Obviously we all know that but Platt tries to explain the
tactics employed by Rafa and why the Reds skipper is pivotal
to the manager's plans.
Talking about the importance of Gerrard, Platt said: "It's
no secret that in Rafael Benitez's first season in charge,
Liverpool were better suited to European football rather
than domestic, due mainly to the fact that they had the
ability to defend deep, soak up pressure and counterattack
successfully.
"In the Premiership, where they were required to take the
game to the opposition more, teams caused them problems by
defending deeply themselves - that way, by not committing
many players forward, they were less vulnerable to the
counter-attack.
"This year, however, after a slow start, Benitez has found a
winning formula by using the characteristics of the players
he has at his disposal to exceptional effect.
"The key is that he has more attacking options, which
enables Liverpool to counter any strategy the opposing team
employs against them. Central to these options is Steven
Gerrard, still the key player and a massive driving
inspiration to the team."
(Kop Talk) |
|
|
WEDNESDAY 4 |
|
|
Kromkamp completes Liverpool move
Liverpool have completed the signing of Dutch right-back Jan
Kromkamp, who is joining as part of a swap deal with Spanish
side Villarreal for Josemi.
Krompkamp, 25, has passed his medical and will be officially
unveiled at Anfield on Thursday.
He could make his debut against Luton Town in the FA Cup on
Saturday after a rule-change over the eligibility of new
signings in that competition.
(BBC Sport Online)
Benfica sign Simao replacement
Benfica have completed the signing of winger Laurent Robert
which suggests that they are preparing for the exit of
Liverpool target Simao Sabrosa.
Sabrosa was linked with the enemy Manchester United today
with various newspaper reports claiming that Sir Alex
Ferguson is trying to hijack the player's proposed move to
Anfield.
At a press conference this afternoon, Benfica officials said
that Robert's arrival does not mean that Simao will be sold.
Robert signs a 3.5 year-deal and moves on a free transfer.
(Kop Talk)
Zak extends Lions loan spell
Millwall have completed the loan signing of Liverpool
defender Zak Whitbread until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old impressed during his seven appearances for
the Lions after joining on a short-term deal in late
November, and the Reds have allowed him to remain until the
end of the campaign.
Liverpool have also given Whitbread permission to play for
Millwall against the European champions' city rivals Everton
in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie at The Den.
(TEAMtalk)
Gonzales move in doubt
Mark Gonzales' proposed transfer to Liverpool could be
scuppered if Espanyol have their way.
With work permit problems making a January move to Anfield
looking unlikely, it may well be that the Albacete winger
goes on loan to Espanyol for the remainder of the season.
(LFC Online)
Reds eye Parma man
Liverpool are the latest side to be linked with an interest
in Parma midfielder Marco Marchionni.
The talented midfield man is out of contract with the
Gialloblu at the end of the season, and they could be ready
to cash in on him in January to avoid losing him for
nothing.
Serie A sides Juventus, Internazionale and Fiorentina are
all studying Marchionni's situation, with all three hoping
to wait until the summer to make their move.
(Sky Sports)
Bolton boss blasts FA decision
Sam Allardyce has hit out after it was confirmed that no
Liverpool player would be facing any action following
Monday's stormy clash at the Reebok Stadium
Allardyce was unhappy with challenges from Steven Gerrard
and Mohamed Sissoko during the 2-2 draw but neither player
will face a disciplinary hearing as referee Mark Clattenburg
has confirmed in his match report that he saw both incidents
but chose not to take further action.
That rules out any FA action and the Bolton manager said:
"Our procedure has to be seriously flawed. I have to find
out all the reasons why neither player has been punished."
(Fans FC)
Agger: Reds on brink of deal
Liverpool hope to conclude the signing of Daniel Agger by
the weekend.
Brondby's chief executive returns from holiday tomorrow,
when negotiations to bring the Dane to Anfield will enter
the final stages.
The major obstacles which blocked the transfer last summer
have been overcome, as Liverpool close in on a player who's
been a consistent target of manager Rafa Benitez.
The 21-year-old centre-half is already preparing for the
switch to Merseyside, with the fee likely to be around
£5.5m.
Agger should become the second significant signing of
January, following Dutchman Jan Kromkamp, who is tying up
the formalities of his transfer today.
Kromkamp was undergoing a medical at Melwood this afternoon
before completing the deal which saw Josemi sign for
Villarreal.
(Liverpool Echo)
|
|
Thor Zakariassen
© |
|
