DECEMBER 29
Report: English
trio eye Asenjo
By Lucas Brown - Sporting Life
Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton are vying to sign Real
Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, according to reports in Spain.
The Barclays Premier League clubs are understood to have sent scouts to
watch the 18-year-old in action, and could now decide to match his buy-out
clause of 4.5million euros (£3.3million) to try and sign him in the summer
Valladolid supremo Carlos Suarez is aware that he would be powerless to
prevent Asenjo from leaving if an offer of that value comes in.
"We are prepared for any situation and it is not impossible to see that a
club may think about paying his buy-out clause," Suarez told AS.
"We want him to stay here because we will do what is best for him. But his
value is continuing to grow."
Along with the English trio, Asenjo's agent has revealed that several
Spanish sides have also shown an interest in the 'keeper.
Fernando Redondo explained: "More than one Spanish team is very interested
in his future with a view to next season.
"But with his buy-out clause standing at €4.5m, they have held off. Sergio
is going to stay where he is for now."
Asenjo made his first-team debut for Valladolid in the 2-0 victory over
Villarreal earlier this month and his performance in keeping a clean sheet
saw him win many plaudits.
DECEMBER 26
Fiorentina
ponder Liverpool bid
Clubcall Sports
Fiorentina have been advised to make a move for Liverpool
midfielder Mohammed Sissoko in the January transfer window.
Fiorentina's Director of Sports Pantaleo Corvino has been reviewing scouting
reports on fresh talent like Rio Mavuba and experienced playmakers like
Atletico Madrid's Maniche, but has been told to get Sissoko by top agent
Franco Granello.
Granello, who represents Frank Lampard's interests in Italy, said: "A club
like La Viola (Fiorentina) needs a player like Mohammed Sissoko, with the
characteristics he brings to the field."
The Florence club may have already talked about the possibility of a swap
deal for the Mali midfielder after Liverpool made contact with them about
their Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi, out of contract in June 2008.
DECEMBER 18
Riise high up
on Valencia wishlist
TEAMtalk
Valencia coach Ronald Koeman has expressed an interest in
signing Liverpool's Norway international full-back
John Arne Riise.
Koeman is determined to add to his squad in the New Year following
Valencia's exit from the Champions League.
Los Che are also toiling in seventh place in the Primera Liga and Koeman
admits 27-year-old Riise is a player of interest.
"He is a player with experience and would offer some options for our game,"
said Koeman in the Daily Mirror.
Riise, who can also play in midfield, has made over 300 appearances during
six years at Anfield.
Reports suggest Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will look to rebuff any January
bids for the former Monaco man.
DECEMBER 17
Report:
Liverpool eyeing Muntari
TEAMtalk
Liverpool are reported to be weighing up a January move
for Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari if they are priced out of
a move for Javier Mascherano.
Muntari has impressed at Fratton Park since his summer arrival from Udinese
and his performances are thought to have alerted Reds boss Rafa Benitez.
Benitez is drawing up his list of targets in the January transfer window and
could make a move for Muntari if he is priced out of a deal for Mascherano.
The Ghana international has quickly adapted to life in England and he is a
big fans' favourite at Pompey.
The 23-year-old has admitted he would be interested in a move to a bigger
club if the chance became available.
"I want to end up at one of the biggest clubs - that is every player's
dream," Muntari is quoted as saying in The Mirror.
"Of course I will try my best here and help Portsmouth win many things, and
maybe qualify for Europe, but eventually I would like to play for a bigger
club."
DECEMBER 5
City to swoop for
Mascherano
By Adam Bryant - LFC Online
Manchester City are being linked with a move for Javier
Mascherano, according to the rumour mill.
Apparently, a meeting took place in a London hotel last week between one of
the player's advisors and a close associate of Manchester City owner Thaksin
Shinawatra.
The Argentinian midfielder is owned by a consortium headed by Kia
Joorabchian. His loan spell with Liverpool runs until the end of the season,
at which point the Reds must pay £17m if they want to keep him.
The Mascherano situation is allegedly one of the main reasons for Rafael
Benitez's recent spat with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
A bidding war is the last thing Benitez needs if he is to sign the player,
with Barcelona and Juventus also monitoring the situation.
DECEMBER 5
Spurs and Reds
lining up Silva
TEAMtalk
Adrien Silva could be the latest young talent to come off
the Sporting Lisbon production line and join the Premier League.
The talented 19-year-old is beginning to make a name for himself in
Portugal, having impressed in the centre of midfield.
Silva, who captains Portugal's Under-19 side, is thought to be a £3million
target for Tottenham boss Juande Ramos.
Nani and in particular Cristiano Ronaldo have shown Portuguese imports can
thrive in English football - and Silva admits he would one day like to
follow the same path as his compatriots.
Liverpool and Sevilla have also been mooted as possible rivals for his
signature, with Silva aware that English clubs have been monitoring his
progress.
"I know English scouts have watched me," he told The Sun. "The Premier
League is one of the biggest in the world."
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