JULY 30
Keegan wants to
kop Le Tallec
By Alan Nixon - Daily Mirror
Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan wants his old club Liverpool to do
him a favour and let him have Anthony Le Tallec on loan for the season.
Keegan has been alerted by the news that the gifted young Frenchman can
quit Anfield for more first-team experience.
And the cash-conscious City boss could get the green light to take Le
Tallec shortly - although there is rival Premiership interest.
Le Tallec joined Liverpool from Le Havre on a permanent basis three years
ago but has been loaned back to his first club in the past. Keegan wants
to add to hisfootball education with City and also boost a squad that
needs fresh young legs in attack.
Le Tallec can play up front, just behind the attack or even wide and
Keegan hopes City's style of free-wheeling play will also give him the nod
from Le Tallec ahead of his other suitors
JULY 24
Liverpool
linked with Josemi deal
Sporting Life
Liverpool have agreed a deal to bring Malaga defender Josemi to
Anfield, according to reports in Spain.
Sports daily Diario AS and Malaga paper Diario Sur both state negotiations
were concluded late on Friday night and that the player will soon be
jetting out to the USA to join the Reds on their pre-season tour.
The deal is reportedly worth four million euros (£2.8m) and is now subject
to Josemi agreeing personal terms with Liverpool.
The 24-year-old, who would become new coach Rafael Benitez's first signing
for the Merseysiders, is able to play at right-back and in the centre of
the defence.
He started his career at home-town club Torremolinos before moving along
the coast to Malaga as a teenager.
He has since moved through the ranks at La Rosaleda and is now considered
a first-team regular, making 35 league appearances last season.
JULY 23
Coloccini claims
Reds talk
Sky Sports
Argentina international defender Fabio Coloccini says that he is in
talks over a move to The Premiership with Rafa Benitez's Liverpool.
The 22-year-old stopper claims that The Reds are in talks over a £3.5
million move for the Milan man, who has spent the past three years in
Spain.
Coloccini has been on loan at Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, but
is now looking to move to England.
The South American is currently preparing to play for Argentina against
arch rivals Brazil in Sunday's Copa America final, but said that talks
were underway over a move to Anfield.
"I've heard the Liverpool reports. We're in talks and the offer interests
me,” Coloccini told The Sun.
"I'm proud a club the size of Liverpool rates me, I really like British
football and follow it a lot.
"And for the coach who won the Spanish championship to ask for me - given
all the players in Spain - is a boost.
"I'll be very appreciative if the deal comes off. I wouldn't let him
down.”
Benitez knows Coloccini well from his time and Spain and has earmarked the
heart of his defence as an area that needs strengthening.
Valencia's Roberto Ayala had been talked about as a candidate to follow
his old boss to Anfield, but it now seems as though his Argentinian
team-mate is fancied by Liverpool's new Spanish manager.
JULY 21
Barca target Hyypia
By Peter ORourke - Planet Football
Barcelona are reported to be preparing a shock move for Liverpool's
Finnish defender Sami Hyypia as they look to complete their summer
spending spree.
The Catalan giants have been busy in the transfer market this summer,
bringing in the likes of Henrik Larsson, Deco and Ludovic Giuly and now
they want to strengthen their defence.
Barca coach Frank Rijkaard is keen to bolster his backline as he looks to
build on last season's second place finish in La Liga.
The Camp Nou outfit have been frustrated in their attempts to sign Real
Zaragoza's Argentine defender Gabriel Milito and they have now reportedly
switched their attentions to Hyypia.
The Dutchman is thought to be a big admirer of Hyypia and reports suggest
they have made discreet enquiries for the towering centre half.
Barca have already tried to raid Anfield for Czech striker Milan Baros
only to be put off by the English club's valuation of the player.
The Reds are unlikely to encourage any move for Hyypia as the former
Willem II defender is an instrumental member of the side.
New Reds coach Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in new players and would be
loath to lose a star performer like Hyypia.
Only a major offer would tempt Liverpool to cash-in on Hyypia and with the
season less than a month away it would not leave them a lot of time to
bring in a replacement.
JULY 18
Dacourt fancies
Liverpool move
By Kevin Smith - LFC Online
Former Leeds United midfielder Olivier Dacourt is keen on a return to
the Premiership, and his agent has been in touch with Rafael Benitez,
according to reports today.
The 29-year-old Frenchman, now at AS Roma wants to move on after the
departure of manager Fabio Capella.
Gerard Houllier had previously expressed an interest in Dacourt, although
it is unlikely Benitez will require his services.
JULY 17
Reds linked with
Saviola
By Al Campbell
Liverpool have been linked with Barcelona striker Javier Saviola.
The prolific striker is a favourite with the Barcelona fans but Barca
president Joan Laporta says the club may have to sell him if he does not
agree to take a wage cut. This has alerted Liverpool and Newcastle to the
possibility of a move.
Saviola has refused to take a pay-cut and this has led to rumours of a
swap deal with Milan Baros going the other way.
JULY 14
Florent eying French
move
Sky Sports
Liverpool youngster Florent Sinama-Pongolle could be set for a loan
move back to his native France - if he does not feature in the plans of
Red's manager Rafa Benitez.
Sinama-Pongolle is still on the fringe at Anfield, but is hoping to make
an impression on Benitez in pre-season training.
Should the young striker not fit into Benitez's team, he is open to a
return to France - with St Etienne at the front of the queue.
Sinama-Pongolle rose to prominence with Le Havre, and would hope to
flourish in Le Championnat should he return to France.
St Etienne would be hoping to lure the player on a season's loan this
year, with Liverpool keeping a close eye on his progress.
Sinama-Pongolle has started just seven times for The Reds, but has made 16
appearances off the bench - notching two goals in the process.
JULY 12
Espanyol plot Diao
talks
Sky Sports
Espanyol are ready to test Salif Diao's determination to remain at
Liverpool in order to prove his worth.
The Senegal international is the latest target for the Barcelona-based
outfit, who have already snapped up former Barca hit-man Dani Garcia this
summer.
Diao is the latest name in the frame for a possible move to Montjuic and
it is believed that talks over a possible loan move have already started
with Liverpool.
The African ace was keen to remain at Anfield, as he has three years left
on his contract, but Saint Etienne have already showed an interest in his
services and a move to the continent cannot be discounted.
New Reds boss Rafa Benitez is set to reshape his squad with a number of
comings and goings taking place at Anfield during the close season.
JULY 12
Chelsea may be
key for Diouf
By Andy Hunter - Daily Post
Chelsea's expensive pursuit of Didier Drogba could help trigger the
departure of El-Hadji Diouf from Liverpool.
The Anfield club are anxious to offload the £10million flop this summer
despite his public utterances of commitment to the Liverpool cause
yesterday.
And Chelsea's proposed £22m move for the man who helped end their UEFA Cup
hopes last season could prove pivotal in that ambition.
Portsmouth, Malaga and Real Betis are all interested in signing the
Senegal striker - but only on loan and with Liverpool continuing to pay a
percentage of his salary.
Liverpool, not surprisingly, would prefer a permanent exit for the
23-year-old, even at a £7m loss on the transfer fee.
Marseille were linked with Diouf last season but their financial problems
meant they were unable to afford the £3m move.
However, coach Jose Anigo will renew his interest in the former Lens star
if he is armed with the money from Drogba's possible sale to Stamford
Bridge.
Liverpool will not stand in Diouf's way if a firm bid arrives from
Marseille, although the French club could have problems convincing the
player to join them.
JULY 11
Diouf to go in swap
deal?
By Al Campbell - LFC Online
El Hadj Diouf has been linked with a move to Malaga with keeper Juan
Calatayud moving the other way.
Malaga have approached Liverpool with the idea of taking Diouf on a season
long loan. However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez would prefer to make the move
permanent with Malaga's £3m rated goalkeeper Juan Calatayud coming to
Anfield in exchange.
JULY 10
Saints and
Reds join Mido chase
Sky Sports
Mido's agent has confirmed to skysports.com that Southampton and
Liverpool have emerged as bidders to sign his client.
The French media claimed that both The Saints and Pool were very much in
the running for the Egyptian's services.
Now Christophe Henrotay has confirmed that there is interest from both
Anfield and St Mary's.
"He is going to probably go on loan to England, we know this," Henrotay
told skysports.com.
"I know these clubs (Southampton and Liverpool) are interested and maybe
something will happen next week.
"There is a lot of interest and we will have to see."
Newcastle United were strongly tipped to land Mido earlier this summer and
Henrotay insists they are not out of the running saying: "They are still
interested."
Mido is currently with Marseille, but he is surplus to requirements at The
Stade Velodrome and is looking to secure a move to England.
JULY 9
Benitez plots
Spanish raid
Sky Sports
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is reported to have made discreet
enquiries for Malaga goalkeeper Juan Catalayud.
Although Liverpool are well covered in the goalkeeping department with
Jerzy Dudek, Chris Kirkland and Patrice Luzi, Spanish daily AS claims
Benitez will look to offload one of the three to make room for Catalayud.
The 24-year-old battled with Francesc Arnau to be the number one at Malaga
last term, and impressed as he made 19 starts in La Primera.
Real Madrid are also understood to be admirers of the custodian, but it is
Benitez who has approached Malaga to ask about his availability.
The player shares the same agent as Benitez, Manuel Garcia Quilon, which
would help facilitate a deal if The Reds do press ahead with a move.
Interestingly, Malaga are known to be lining up a swoop for Liverpool
forward El Hadji Diouf who has struggled to make an impact since arriving
at Anfield.
It has been suggested that Catalayud could be used as part-exchange in any
transfer, although AS claims Malaga president Serafin Roldan - while
acknowledging contact with Liverpool - insists the talks are with a view
to a deal at the end of next season.
Meanwhile, the Spanish press have claimed that the Merseysiders are
very much in the race to sign wantaway Valencia striker Mista.
The hit-man, who has one year left on his deal at the Mestalla, has broken
off contract talks with the club leading Valencia to suspect he has been
approached by a third party.
Liverpool, along with Barcelona and Ateltico Madrid, have been mooted as
his most likely suitors, but the opportunity to be reunited with Benitez -
who took him to Valencia from Tenerife - could prove tempting for the
25-year-old.
Mista has confirmed he has now definitely ended talks with Valencia and
will not be signing a new contract with The Che.
JULY 9
Liverpool linked with Argentinian defender
Walk On LFC
A report appearing in today's Independent is linking Liverpool with a
move for Argentinian centre-half Fabricio Coloccini.
The defender belongs to AC Milan, but has spent the last three seasons in
Spain. He has had stints with Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villareal.
Known to have an eye for goal, Coloccini scored seven times in the season
with Alaves.
The report claims that Benitez likes his physical and skilful style, and
watched him regularly when he was in charge of Valencia.
JULY 8
Pompey set for
Senegal swoop
By Chris Maxwell - LFC Online
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is said to be ready to raid Anfield
for the dubious talents of underachieving Senegal duo Salif Diao and
El-Hadji Diouf.
The veteran Pompey boss wants to secure the pair on a year-long loan to
bolster a squad hit by the exit of on-loan Russian anchorman Alexei
Smertin and the return of sprightly forward Lomona Lua-Lua to Newcastle
United.
Diouf and Diao arrived on Merseyside for a combined fee of over £14m -
£10m of which was used to purchase Diouf - following Senegal's surprise
run to the World Cup quarter-finals two years ago.
Gerard had high hopes that both, alongside Bruno Cheyrou who has already
sealed a loan move to Marseille, would lead a title challenge at Anfield
but the majority of the Anfield faithful would be more than happy to see
Redknapp's bid succeed this summer.
JULY 8
Barca enter Baros race
By Paul Higham - Planet Football
Barcelona have emerged as another club seriously interested in Milan
Baros, as Liverpool insist Real Madrid have not contacted them regarding
the Czech Republic star.
Baros is the man of the moment after topping the scoring charts in Euro
2004 in Portugal, but he is by no means guaranteed a starting place at
Anfield.
Rafa Benitez has Michael Owen and new arrival Djibril Cisse at his
disposal, and Baros could struggle for regular action.
The former Banik Ostrava man has already said he will hold talks with
Benitez before deciding if he wants to leave the club.
Real Madrid are interested in signing Baros, with presidential candidate
Lorenzo Sanz insisting that he already had a deal lined up should he win
the club's elections.
JULY 6
Reds line-up
Amoroso talks
Sky Sports
Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool have lined-up a shock move
for Brazilian striker Marcio Amoroso.
The former Udinese and Borussia Dortmund ace is believed to have flown
into England to hold talks with the Anfield outfit.
The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after being released by
Dortmund last season.
Amoroso had talks with Celtic about a possible move to Scotland in May and
he also had a short spell training with Portsmouth.
Liverpool are now thought to have entered the chase for the ex-Parma man
and he could be in line for a shock move to Merseyside.
New Reds boss Rafa Benitez has already seen Djibril Cisse arrive from
Auxerre in a deal which was set-up by former boss Gerard Houllier and it
comes as something of a surprise that he is in the market for a new
striker.
JULY 6
Reds players in demand
By Alex Livie - Planet Football
A host of Liverpool players are being linked with moves away from
Anfield, as clubs look to persuade new Reds coach Rafa Benitez to offload
some of his squad members.
African forward El Hadji Diouf, Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Alou Diarra
are said to be attracting interest from all over Europe.
Senegal international Diouf has a host of clubs on his trail, with
Portsmouth, West Brom and Celtic looking to keep him in Britain, while
Malaga are plotting to bring him to La Liga.
Benitez has seen Djibril Cisse arrive as the replacement for Emile Heskey,
but he could still be ready to move Diouf on.
Diouf forged a solid reputation in France with Lens, but he has only
fleetingly produced his best during his spell in England.
Regular first-team football would be attractive to Diouf, but it remains
to be seen if he would rather stay in England or head to Spain.
Diarra and Sinama-Pongolle, meanwhile, are said to be attracting admiring
glances from Lens.
Lens are looking for new blood and are toying with the possibility of
approaching Liverpool about loan deals for the pair.
Sinama-Pongolle is viewed by Liverpool officials as a future star and they
could well sanction a loan move which would result in him securing regular
playing time.
Diarra, meanwhile, spent last term on loan at Bastia and he could well
head out for another season in Le Championnat with Lens.
In other news, Liverpool could face competition from Sevilla for Malaga
midfielder Miguel Angel.
Benitez is a fan of the defensive-minded midfielder and is looking into
the possibility of bringing him to Anfield, but he could face competition
from Sevilla for his services.
JULY 6
Albion cleared
to target Traore
By Chris Lepkowski - Evening Mail
Albion are set to receive the green light to step up their interest in
Djimi Traore.
The Frenchman, who has been on Albion's wish-list all summer, is likely to
be one of at least nine Liverpool players to be told they can leave
Anfield by new boss Rafael Benitez.
Traore, who would be available for around £1million or a season-long loan,
is expected to leave Merseyside in the near future, with Albion leading
the race for his signature.
JULY 5
Ricardo keen on
Anfield move
Sky Sports
The agent of Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo Pereira has urged Liverpool to
consider a swoop for his client, who is keen on a summer move to The
Premiership.
Ricardo, who proved his country's match-winner against England in the Euro
2004 quarter final, is considering his future having grown discontent at
Sporting Lisbon.
He was reportedly offered to Celtic but his agent has now indicated he
would be interested in a move to Anfield.
''He would jump at the opportunity to join the English Premiership,
especially with Liverpool,'' he confirmed.
''He has shown his qualities throughout this year's tournament and if a
club could afford him, then he would quit Lisbon.
''Rafael Benitez will know all about Ricardo from his time in Spain.''
JULY 4
Blues to seal
shock Davids deal
Sky Sports
Chelsea are reported to have pulled off a shock swoop for Dutch
international midfielder Edgar Davids.
Italian television station Telelombardia claim that the 31-year-old has
agreed a two-year deal with the West Londoners.
The news comes as a surprise given that Chelsea, despite seemingly being
linked with nearly every top player in Europe this summer, were not among
the candidates thought to be vying for the combative midfielder.
Davids, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Juventus this
summer, spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona.
He had originally been expected to sign a permanent deal with the
Catalans, but opted to delay making a decision until after Euro 2004 after
interest from England emerged.
Tottenham and Liverpool were thought to be leading the chase for the
former Ajax ace, and Arsenal had also been mentioned in connection with
his signature.
However, Chelsea - backed by the billions of Roman Abramovich - now appear
to have beaten all of them to the punch and lured Davids to Stamford
Bridge.
JULY 4
Fulham want Smicer
By Al Campbell - LFC Online
Fulham manager Chris Coleman will put in a £2m bid for Vladimir Smicer
this week according to the Sunday People.
Smicer has had a decent Euro 2004 tournament but there are doubts whether
he features in Rafael Benitez's plans for the future.
JULY 3
Mass exodus at Anfield?
Walk On LFC
New boss Rafael Benitez is planning a mass player clearout in time for
the new season, claims The Mirror today.
The report claims that the most high-profile casualty will be German Didi
Hamann.
Other players about to be shown the exit door are Bruno Cheyrou,
Senegalese duo El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao, French youngsters Djimi
Traore and Alou Diarra and Croatian Igor Biscan.
Also on the way out are defenders Markus Babbel and Gregory Vignal and the
report claims that Benitez would also be willing to off-load Vladimir
Smicer.
The report estimates that the club will lose up to £40m from the sale of
these players.
JULY 2
Reds set to
take a loss on Diouf
By David Prentice - Liverpool Echo
Liverpool are ready to take a £7m loss on El Hadji Diouf.
Spanish side Malaga have enquired about the Senegalese international and
even though they are prepared to offer only £3m, the Reds are likely to
accept.
The man dubbed 'Serial Killer' cost Liverpool £10m in the summer of 2002.
But since arriving from Lens he scored just six goals in 80 appearances,
while an attempted reinvention as a right-winger also failed.
Diouf has lost his number nine shirt to new signing Djibril Cisse, and his
miserable spell on Merseyside may also soon come to an end.
A report this morning, meanwhile, suggested Liverpool could be poised to
hijack Spurs' move for Dutch midfield star Edgar Davids.
No-one at Anfield was available for comment, although Davids is reported
as saying: "I've received two very interesting offers from England and
will announce a decision in the next few days.
"I've been linked with a move to England for a long time and maybe it's
the right time now."
Davids is a free agent after his contract with Juventus ran out, and the
31-year-old's £30,000 a week wages are not prohibitive.
JULY 2
Reds mooted as
Davids bidders
Sky Sports
Liverpool have reportedly emerged as rivals to Tottenham Hotspur in the
race for Edgar Davids, but Internazionale remain favourites to sign the
Dutch midfielder.
Davids is currently available on a free transfer after leaving Juventus
and failing to agree a permanent contract with Barcelona, where he spent
the second half of last season.
Italian giants Inter have long been expected to conclude a deal for the
combative midfielder, who performed inconsistently at Euro 2004.
But there has also been Premiership interest in the 31-year-old, with
Tottenham having been confirmed as Davids suitors.
On Thursday, Davids revealed that Spurs are one of two English clubs who
are trying to tempt him to The Premiership, but he refused to identify the
second side.
Reports now claim that Liverpool are in the chase, with new manager Rafa
Benitez having been persuaded that Davids is the ideal player to beef up
his midfield.
However, the Italian media are still insistent that it is Inter who will
land Davids, with a decision on his future expected in the next few days.
JULY 2
Diouf linked with
Malaga
Sky Sports
Liverpool flop El Hadji Diouf has been linked with a switch to Spanish
outfit Malaga.
Diouf's position at Anfield is uncertain after he lost the number nine
shirt to Djibril Cisse and the Senegal international has been mooted as a
target for Malaga.
Benitez may decide to use Diouf as a bargaining tool in his pursuit of a
quartet of Malaga players - Miguel Angel, Josemi, Alexis and Juan
Calatayud.
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