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APRIL 22
Queudrue tempted by
interest
By Graeme Bailey & Patrick Haond - Sky Sports
Liverpool and Paris Saint Germain are both understood to be keeping tabs
on Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue, who admits a move to another club
could bolster his international ambitions.
The enigmatic full back has been one of Boro's best players this season and
he has been a consistent performer since arriving at the club from Lens in
2001.
He spent a season on loan at The Riverside but he became an instant hit with
the fans and manager Steve McClaren paid £2.5 million for his services.
He has since developed into one of the most consistent left backs in England
and this has not gone un-noticed both home and abroad, with interest coming
from Anfield and Parc des Princes.
Queudrue, who was recently wanted by Ireland, has international aspirations
but he has thus far been ignored by France and this is an obvious concern to
him.
"Playing in a club with more media coverage could help me catch the French
team coach's eyes," the 26-year-old told But!.
"He only goes and watches the big teams with the big players."
French Frank, as he is collectively known by the Boro faithful, says he is
happy on Teesside but would consider an 'attractive' offer.
"I feel at ease at Middlesbrough. But we will think about if attractive
offers come.
"I have no real propositions, but recently I heard about Liverpool's and
Paris Saint Germain's interest.
"That is rumours and my agent has not received a call.
"I don't know Liverpool very well, I should ask information from Djimi
Traore or Bruno Cheyrou.
"I know Paris a little more. I was born in that town and I would not dislike
a comeback to France, above all if clubs like PSG show an interest."
Queudrue's agent Gregory Dakad insists that nothing is in the offing for his
client.
"He is playing well and he has attracted interest, but that is natural," he
told skysports.com.
"But these stories in France are just rumours.
"For the time being he is doing well and is happy, but we are hoping to have
talks over a longer deal at some time in the near future."
Queudrue signed a new deal last year and has three years left on his current
contract.
APRIL 15
Hyypia impresses Roma
By Nadia Carminati - Sky Sports
Roma have been impressed with Sami Hyypia's tremendous performances in
the UEFA Champions League.
The Liverpool stopper was in superb form during his side's goalless draw at
Juventus that clinched a semi-final spot with Chelsea in Europe's premier
competition.
Watching representatives from the Giallorossi were so enthusiastic about the
Finland international's qualities that they may consider a summer bid for
the Reds defender.
Rafa Benitez will want to retain Hyypia but the centre back is out of
contract in 2006, and has yet to sign fresh terms at Anfield.
Roma are seeking a replacement for Traianos Dellas, who is set to leave, but
there has been no contact yet for Hyypia.
Another Champions League star being linked with Roma is Bayern Munich
striker Claudio Pizarro.
The Peruvian has been trailed by scouts from the capital club for some time
and an offer is expected to be tabled in the close season.
Pizarro is also out of contract in 2006 and Bayern Munich may decide to cash
in on his talents if the price is right.
APRIL 5
Parry to meet
Martel next week for transfer talks
Kop Talk
According to reports in France, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will
meet Lens chairman Gervais Martel next week to discuss Alou Diarra's future.
Lens are very keen to retain the 23-year-old on a permanent transfer
following his impressive loan spell with the club. He's done so well that
he's been handed the skipper's armband and has been called into action by
France boss Raymond Domenech.
Signed by Gerard Houllier, Diarra was loaned out to gain experience and that
has certainly been achieved. We'd be angered if Liverpool opted to sell him
because the lad looks to have a bright future ahead of him. We've followed
his progress closely and it comes as no surprise to hear that several clubs
are homing in.
APRIL 4
Palermo look to Baros
By Nadia Carminati - Sky Sports
Palermo are the latest club credited with an interest in Liverpool
striker Milan Baros.
The Sicilian side are desperate to find a top calibre striker to pair with
Italy international Luca Toni, and have been linked with a plethora of
potential targets.
The current suggestions include Marco Di Vaio and David Di Michele - but
Baros has now been hinted at also.
The Czech striker has never fully replicated his international football at
Anfield, and the striker may well be shipped out of the club in the summer.
Rosanero scouts are expected to be out in force when Liverpool take on
Juventus in the UEFA Champions League this week - as they get the
opportunity to see how Baros copes with Italian defences.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has already insisted that he will not
pay over the odds for a forward, and Baros is not likely to be a cheap
option.
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