JULY 31
Inter prepare £20m
Mascherano bid

Football Italia

The British media claim Inter are finally set to offer £20m for Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano, with Christian Poulsen his potential replacement.

It is well known that new Nerazzurri boss Rafa Benitez would like the midfielder in his squad after leaving Anfield this summer.

So far no official bid has been tabled, but it’s reported in the Daily Express that a £20m proposal will land on Liverpool’s desk over the next few days.

Mascherano has made it clear he would like to reunite with Benitez and try his hand at Serie A.

The Argentine has been left out of Roy Hodgson’s squad for tomorrow’s friendly with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

It seems that Liverpool are already lining up a replacement in the form of Juventus midfielder Poulsen.

The 30-year-old Dane already worked with Hodgson at FC Copenhagen between 2000 and 2001.

Poulsen is one of the players on the Juventus transfer list and was not included in the Europa League 2-0 qualifying round win over Shamrock Rovers on Thursday.

JULY 30
Steven Defour emerges
as Liverpool FC target

By Ian Doyle - Liverpool Daily Post

Steven Defour has become a major transfer target for Liverpool after Javier Mascherano edged nearer an inevitable Anfield exit.

Mascherano has been left out of the squad for tomorrow's friendly in Germany to increase speculation of an move to Inter Milan.

And Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has lined up Standard Liege midfielder Defour as a possible replacement for the wantaway Argentina international.

Mascherano confirmed Liverpool's fears earlier this week when, on returning from World Cup duty, he informed the club of his desire to leave.

Inter's former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants to be reunited with the Argentine at the San Siro with the Serie A side preparing a £25million offer for his services.

And now Hodgson has taken the decision to omit Mascherano from the squad for tomorrow's friendly against Borussia Moenchengladbach despite intimating the player would remain available for selection as long as he was at Anfield.

Preliminary talks have already been held with Inter representatives and it seems certain Mascherano, who was signed for more than £18m in January 2007, has played his last game for the club with Hodgson already pondering midfield alternatives.

And top of his wanted list is highly-rated Belgium international Defour, who could follow Milan Jovanovic in making the move from Standard Liege to Anfield.

Defour has won two domestic championships with Standard and has been the creative force behind their impressive European showings in recent seasons, the Belgian side running Liverpool close in a Champions League qualifier two years ago before dumping Everton out of the UEFA Cup.

But Defour missed much of last season with a serious foot injury and, in his absence, Standard failed to qualify for Europe.

And the 22-year-old, a one-time target of both Arsenal and Everton, is now available for a fee of around £10m (12m euros).

However, Liverpool would face serious competition from Manchester United for Defour's signature, with Sir Alex Ferguson a known admirer of the player.

JULY 30
Liverpool interest in Poulsen

By Nadia Carminati - Sky Sports

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims that Liverpool are considering a move for Christian Poulsen.

The versatile defensive midfielder played all three of Denmark's matches at this summer's World Cup, but he has struggled to feature regularly at club level.

Poulsen was not involved in Juventus' 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualifying on Thursday night and his omission has added to rumours that he is set to leave the Italian club.

The 30-year-old has long been linked with English clubs and Marotta has said that Liverpool, who could be looking for a replacement for Inter Milan target Javier Mascherano, have been in touch.

"Liverpool have shown interest in Poulsen," Marotta told Mediaset after the victory against Shamrock.

"But the fact that he did not play in this game is only due to a technical decision."

JULY 29
Insua exit edges closer

Sky Sports

Skysports.com understands Liverpool defender Emiliano Insua's move to Fiorentina is edging ever closer.

Reports earlier this week claimed the deal was in danger of falling through because of Insua's personal demands.

Fiorentina have agreed an undisclosed fee with Liverpool for the Argentina international as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Liverpool are willing to sell Insua despite their lack of left-back options as Roy Hodgson looks to raise funds for his own signings.

Fiorentina are determined to push through the move and it is believed both parties are now close to completing the transfer.

Insua is expected seal his switch to Italy next week to end his three-year spell at Anfield.

JULY 29
Hodgson tipped to land
Bridge in City exodus

By Nigel Brown - Sport.co.uk

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has been tipped to secure the signing of former England international Wayne Bridge in the coming days with sports bookmakers slashing odds on the former Chelsea star arriving at Anfield during the summer transfer window.

Bridge is just one of a number of City stars who look set to face the chop at the Eastlands stadium, with Craig Bellamy, Stephen Ireland, Roque Santa Cruz, Nedum Onouha, and Shaun Wright-Phillips all fighting for their futures under manager Roberto Mancini.

Mancini swooped to sign Serbian international Aleksander Kolarov from Lazio , with the 24-year-old left back expected to start for City next season. Mancini has already signed David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng this summer, with Kolarov's arrival increasing his spending to approximately £75million since the end of last season.

JULY 29
Liverpool eyeing Villa’s Petrov
as Mascherano replacement

By Andrew Slevison - tribalfootball

Liverpool are believed to be eyeing Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov as a replacement for wantaway Javier Mascherano.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is reported to be prepared to pay £7million for the 30-year old Bulgarian in a deal that will surely net him some spending cash with Mascherano expected to go for much more to join former boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan.

Villa are keen to keep their squad together with so many of their first team stars wanted by rival clubs but Petrov is apparently aware of Liverpool’s interest.

JULY 29
Villa fullback Young sees
Liverpool move fall through

tribalfootball.com

Aston Villa fullback Luke Young's move to Liverpool has fallen through.

The Sun says Young's cut-price move from Aston Villa to Liverpool has collapsed.

Young's agent confirmed the clubs had agreed a fee, believed to be £2.5million.

The full-back, 31, did not travel with Villa to a pre-season tournament in Portugal last night but failed to thrash out a deal with Kop boss Roy Hodgson.

JULY 28
Merseyside rivals set
to compete for World Cup star

By Jonny Abrams - Sport.co.uk

Liverpool and Everton could be set to battle it out for the services of Portsmouth start Kevin-Prince Boateng after the midfielder’s prospective move to Genoa broke down.

According to the player’s agent Mario Miele, Boateng is also a target for West Ham United, Stoke City and Turkish club Besiktas.

Boateng, 23, earned widespread praise for his vibrant performances for Ghana at this summer’s World Cup and, while he would welcome a reunion with Avram Grant at West Ham, he would likely jump at the chance to compete at the top end of the league with either Liverpool or Everton.

Miele told lalaziosiamonoi.it: “We will have to wait and see what happens now over the coming days. The market is slow right now, even if there are a lot of clubs interested in the player.

“A few days ago I heard that Liverpool and Everton were keen, and also Besiktas. Today I have read that Stoke are interested, but I know nothing about that.”

JULY 27
Liverpool agree fee of £2.5m
for Aston Villa's Luke Young

By Stuart James - guardian.co.uk

Liverpool have made a surprise move for the Aston Villa full-back Luke Young. Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, tried to sign Young earlier this year when he was in charge of Fulham and he has now rekindled his interest in the former England international. Liverpool have agreed a £2.5m fee for a player who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

Although Hodgson's pursuit of Young might raise a few eyebrows among Liverpool supporters, the 31-year-old is able to operate in both full-back positions and was asked to represent England as recently as last November, when Fabio Capello failed to persuade the defender to reverse the decision he made earlier that year to retire from international football with seven caps to his name. He would also increase Liverpool's quota of homegrown players to comply with the new Premier League rule.

Liverpool are also short of options in the full-back positions because Emiliano Insúa is set to join Fiorentina and Fábio Aurélio has left the club on a free transfer. Philipp Degen, the Switzerland right-back, has also been told that he can look for another club after meeting with Hodgson last week.

Villa have been keen to offload Young as he is one of the club's higher earners and has three years remaining on his contract. Sunderland had also expressed an interest in signing Young this summer but were unable to match his personal terms.

Villa's decision to make Young available for transfer came as a disappointment to many of the club's supporters. Having joined Villa from Middlesbrough in a £5.5m deal two years ago, Young performed well in his first season but his start to the following campaign was curtailed through a combination of injury and personal tragedy, when Andre, his 17-year-old half-brother, was found dead on holiday.

Young eventually came back into the Villa side but made only 14 Premier League starts and was ultimately unable to dislodge Carlos Cuéllar, an orthodox central defender, from the right-back position. He remained a popular figure among the Villa supporters, however, and was given a standing ovation when he appeared as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in the final match of the season.

JULY 26
Peripheral Real Madrid star confirms:
"I will soon be joining Liverpool"

By Ben Moss - Sport.co.uk

Real Madrid winger Royston Drenthe has reportedly told the Daily Star that he will shortly be joining Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool.

The former Holland Under-21 international has endured an underwhelming spell at the Bernabeu since moving there from Feyenoord in 2007, and according to the Daily Star, he has confirmed that he is all set to join Liverpool in the next few days via his personal Facebook page.

Drenthe was once considered one of the finest young prospects on the continent, but since his move to La Liga, the youngster has found himself increasingly marginalised amongst Madrid’s glut of world class stars and it appears Jose Mourinho has deemed the wing-back surplus to requirements.

The Daily Star quote the Dutchman, saying: “I will soon be joining Liverpool”

“I hope I will have a good season.”

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has already sold Emiliano Insua, having lost the out of contract Fabio Aurelio, and he has also confirmed his intention to sell another fullback Philipp Degen, who was linked with Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart over the weekend.

JULY 26
Juventus offer
Tiago to Liverpool

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool are chasing Juventus midfielder Tiago.

The People says Juve have offered former Chelsea midfielder Tiago Mendes to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Javier Mascherano.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is bracing himself for a raid by Inter Milan on his holding midfield star as ex-boss Rafa Benitez attempts to lure him to the San Siro. And Juve have identified the gap the 26-year-old's departure would create as the answer to getting out-of-favour Tiago off their books.

JULY 25
City would break
record for Torres

By Andy Hunter in New York - The Irish Times

Roberto Mancini has confirmed Manchester City are willing to underwrite a British record transfer fee for Fernando Torres should the Spaniard decide to leave Liverpool.

Torres’s future at Anfield remains shrouded in uncertainty with Christian Purslow, the club’s managing director, holding extensive talks with the 26-year-old striker and the manager, Roy Hodgson, conceding he can do no more to convince the striker to stay.

Chelsea and Barcelona have been linked with the former Atletico Madrid captain but may struggle to meet Liverpool’s €84 million valuation.

City’s hopes of signing Torres were believed to have ended when they failed to qualify for the Champions League last season but Mancini, who is also interested in Mario Balotelli of Internazionale and Wolfsburg’s Edin Dzeko, insists the prospect of Torres making a sensational switch from Anfield to Eastlands is not over and is willing to better the €39 million record fee City spent to sign Robinho from Real Madrid.

The City manager, who has taken his summer spending to €93 million with the €22.5 million arrival of Aleksandar Kolarov from Lazio, said: “Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years. But it depends on his situation – his price and whether he wants to come.

“There are two or three strikers that we could go for, but it is the same situation as it is with James Milner. First there is the price and then it depends if the players want to change team.”

City officials have indicated the club has more chance of signing Balotelli and Dzeko than Torres, with the lack of Champions League football on offer still a determining factor despite their ability to fund a deal and to offer players €239,000-a-week.

The Spanish striker has stressed money will not be the over-riding motivation as he considers his future at Liverpool but, nevertheless, confirmation of City’s interest will further unsettle Anfield officials as they attempt to persuade their prized asset to stay.

Torres is settled in Liverpool but disillusioned with the club’s failure to secure new investment having been told a takeover was imminent when he signed a new four-year contract worth €131,000-a-week last August. His insistence that Liverpool require “four or five” top-class signings to compete for honours next season is unlikely to materialise and Purslow has spent several days attempting to pacify the striker.

Hodgson confirmed at the weekend: “I made it clear from my point of view I’m really looking forward to working with him and I believe he’s a key, key figure at the club . . . I can only hope he’ll buy into what the club is offering him. I don’t think there are any worries with him in terms of me personally or what we’re doing. I think the concerns go back once again to the time before I came to the club.”

City are expected to make a final €29 million bid for Milner this week, having been involved in a prolonged pursuit of the Aston Villa midfielder this summer. “He is still a player who interests us but only at the right price,” said Mancini, who also confirmed the Brazil international Robinho does not want to return to Eastlands and that several high-profile players will have to leave City before the close of this transfer window.

“I don’t know about Robinho’s situation because he doesn’t want to come back. I have now, with all the new signings, 30 players. It is important we get to the start of the season with only 25 players because that is the number of names we can put on the list.”

Mancini has revealed goalkeeper Shay Given is unlikely to be fit for the start of the season, having dislocated his shoulder against Arsenal at the end of last season.

JULY 23
Liverpool linked with
German defender Jansen

By Ian Ferris - tribalfootball

Liverpool are reportedly consdiering a move for German international Marcell Jansen as boss Roy Hodgson continues his search for a new starting left-back.

The 24-year-old has played in several positions during a career that has been solely in the Bundesliga so far, and is employed as a midfielder as much as a defender by current club Hamburg.

But Hodgson is thought to have been tipped off that Jansen would welcome a regular role in defence - and is keen on joining the Reds.

Earlier this week, Hodgson admitted the squad is "short" and that finding a starting left-back would be "one of the priorities".

"We need to find a replacement for Emiliano [Insua] and Fabio [Aurelio]. That is one job we will have to do.”

JULY 22
Report: Huntelaar to sign
for Liverpool, Babel joining Milan

By Salvatore Landolina - Goal.com

Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will join Liverpool, with Ryan Babel heading the other way as part of the deal, claims Il Corriere dello Sport.

On Tuesday Huntelaar was reportedly in Manchester, leading to speculation talks with either Manchester City or Manchester United are impending.

However, the latest reports from Italy suggest he could join Liverpool if Fernando Torres leaves. Huntelaar was not at Milanello on Wednesday, leading to further belief his future is away from Milan.

And should the deal with Liverpool take off, Milan will press for Ryan Babel as part of negotiations.

Everton are also said to be tracking the Rossoneri striker, but the lure of Anfield is likely to prove pivotal in his decision.?

There has been little official confirmation in relation to Huntelaar's future, but Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri didn't appear too convincing when he was probed for a diagnosis.

"Huntelaar, for now, is a Milan player," he told the press. The Dutchman has also been linked with Tottenham and Aston Villa previously.

JULY 22
Hodgson turns attention to Bridge

By Telegraph staff

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will follow up his capture of Joe Cole from Chelsea with a move to take Wayne Bridge from Manchester City to Anfield, according to reports.

The former Chelsea and England defender has seen his place in City’s first team brought in to question by the club’s pursuit of Lazio left-back Alexander Kolarov.

Hodgson surprised many with the signing of free agent Cole, who had attracted interest from Champions League sides Tottenham and Arsenal and was further encouraged with captain Steven Gerrard committing himself to Liverpool earlier this week.

Steven Gerrard poised to stay at Liverpool The new manager also sanctioned the £5m transfer of Emiliano Insua to Fiorentina meaning a full back is a priority as he looks to rebuild the club following their disappointing seventh place finish last season, with the Mirror reporting that Bridge is top of Hodgson’s list of potential targets.

Bridge was signed from Chelsea where he was understudy to Ashley Cole but despite a promising start a succession of injuries and the off-field distraction concerning his and John Terry’s private life concerning former partner Vanessa Perroncelmade last season one to forget for the 29-year-old.

It culminated with the Bridge retiring from international football ahead of the World Cup so as to avoid spending time with Terry.

Kolarov did appear in South Africa, playing twice for Serbia. Lazio and City have agreed a fee for the 24-year-old though he has yet to agree personal terms and pass medical at Eastlands.

JULY 22
Liverpool talk with Internazionale
over £25m sale of Mascherano

By Stuart James - guardian.co.uk

Liverpool are in talks with Internazionale over the possible sale of Javier Mascherano after the Italian club made an approach for the midfielder.

Roy Hodgson is believed to be ready to sell the Argentina captain at the right price to raise funds, after warning Liverpool supporters that several more signings are needed to lift the "doom and gloom" that enveloped the club last season.

Liverpool want at least £25m for Mascherano, who has made no secret of his desire to move to Inter and link up again with Rafael Benítez, Hodgson's predecessor as manager at Anfield. Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, recently said it was his client's "dream" to join the Serie A club and the approach had been anticipated.

Mascherano has been disillusioned at Liverpool for some time, having seen Benítez block a proposed move to Barcelona last summer. Hodgson reported last week that the 26-year-old had not responded to his telephone or text messages while on holiday following the World Cup. He had been keen to discuss the player's future.

JULY 21
Liverpool slap £6m
price-tag on Ngog

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool have slapped a £6 million price-tag on striker David Ngog.

The Mirror says Ngog can go at the right price - quoted to several clubs in the Premier League and round Europe - although he may have to play in the Europa League qualifiers before going.

The Kop squad man is wanted by West Bromwich Albion on loan, while Newcastle and Bolton have made inquiries about his availability - but the valuation is way too high.

Liverpool are still hopeful of a big pay day on Ngog, with Nice's Loic Remy on their hit list but valued at around £14.3 million.

JULY 21
Liverpool refuse to meet
Nice price for Remy

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool refuse to do business for Loic Remy at Nice's current asking price.

Remy's hopes of joining Liverpool are in limbo as the Reds refuse to match West Ham's £12.5million bid for the France striker.

The Hammers own bid has been knocked back unless they stump up £7.5m up front rather than splitting payments over four years.

The 23-year-old would prefer to be part of Roy Hodgson's new-look Liverpool side, but L'Equipe says that an expected meeting between the Merseysiders and Nice has failed to materialise amid the Reds' reluctance to offer much more than £10m.

Nice have already been rebuffed interest at that level from Lyon and Remy has joined up with his current club's training camp at Megeve.

JULY 21
Prolific star lands in England
amid United, City & Liverpool riddle

By Ben Moss - Sport.co.uk

According to talkSport radio, AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was last night spotted in Manchester airport ahead of talks with one of Manchester City, Manchester United or Liverpool.

The prolific forward has endured a chastening spell in Serie A with AC Milan and prior to that in La Liga with Real Madrid, since leaving Dutch football in 2009, and although in the past he has been strongly coveted by North London Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur most notably last January, the 26-year-old is reportedly in the North of England to thrash out a deal with one of Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger’s league counterparts.

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani recently claimed the forward would probably be sold to an English club and talkSport have sparked a flurry of transfer rumours regarding the player’s potential next club.

Manchester City recently allowed Benjani and Valeri Bojinov to leave Eastlands, and the cash-rich side have also been frustrated in their purported efforts to prise Edin Dzeko away from Wolfsburg. Likewise a deal for Fernando Torres looks unlikely and although Roberto Mancini remains in the running for Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli, Huntelaar is a forward with Champions League pedigree and would cost considerbaly less than any of those mentioned.

Liverpool have also been name checked in regards to the former PSV youngster, and Huntelaar’s £10 million fee would be of huge appeal to a club very much in the rebuilding process.

Manchester United have only added Javier Hernandez to a forward line that relied heavily on Wayne Rooney last season, and although Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted his summer business is concluded, talkSport have suggested to the contrary.

The report yesterday intimated that the Holland international was due to hold talks with the three aforementioned Premier League suitors before concluding a deal before the end of the month.

Huntelaar has scored goals where ever he has been, most notably netting a staggering 76 goals in just 92 games for Ajax. The forward has also scored 16 goals for Holland.

JULY 21
Liverpool willing to sell Mascherano
to Inter Milan for right price

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano could still get his move to Inter Milan.

The Daily Mail says new Reds boss Roy Hodgson needs to sort out the future of Javier who is refusing to answer Hodgson's calls. Although Rafa Benitez agreed in his settlement with Liverpool that he cannot sign their players for three months, Mascherano could engineer a reunion with his former boss.

If Benitez is prepared to match Liverpool's £20m valuation, that could be good business for Hodgson and the club.

JULY 20
Liverpool seeking
buyer for Kyrgiakos

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool are inviting offers for Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

The People says Kyrgiakos is among names that top the 'For Sale' list as the Anfield money men are frantically trying to do deals to give manager Roy Hodgson more financial muscle to turn the club around.

Greece centre-half Kyrgiakos was landed on a free transfer by Rafa Benitez last summer but he is now being hawked round Europe for around £2.5million.

JULY 19
Liverpool battling Stoke
for Wigan fullback Figueroa

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool and Stoke City are battling for Wigan Athletic fullback Maynor Figueroa.

The Honduras international was a top target for Steve Bruce last season but relations with Sunderland grew strained when their former boss pressed for Figueroa's signature despite being issued with a 'hands-off' warning.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is an admirer of the defender but there is competition from another club, believed to be Stoke.

Agent Jean-Marc Goire insists there are two clubs interested in his client and there is a "90 percent chance" that the player will be leaving the DW Stadium before the transfer window closes.

JULY 18
Liverpool hope to tempt Joe Cole
with £90,000-a-week contract offer

By Andy Hunter - guardian.co.uk

Liverpool hope Joe Cole will resist the lure of remaining in London and agree to become Roy Hodgson's first signing as their manager on a deal worth £90,000-a-week.

The England international has held talks with Anfield officials and Tottenham Hotspur over a lucrative free transfer following his release by Chelsea.

Although the early indication was that the 28-year-old wanted to stay in the capital Liverpool, who are unable to offer Cole Champions League football, believe their terms and the prospect of regular first-team football may yet entice the midfielder to Merseyside.

Hodgson, who would prefer an answer from Cole this week as he prepares a makeshift squad for Liverpool's Europa League third-round qualifier on 29 July, said: "I know we've been connected with him, and it's good to know we're connected with players of that quality, but I don't have anything to report on the subject."

JULY 17
Poulsen in Liverpool link

Football Italia

Liverpool are pondering a bid for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, according to reports.

The Danish international is, like many of his Turin teammates, available for transfer at the right price.

According to whispers, the Premiership outfit are considering a move for the player at the request of new boss Roy Hodgson.

Juventus are ready to sell one from Poulsen, Momo Sissoko and Felipe Melo after the outfit failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Poulsen could be being targeted by the Anfield boys as a possible replacement for Javier Mascherano.

The Argentine's future in England is in doubt given that he is wanted by new Inter boss Rafael Benitez at San Siro.

Poulsen arrived at Juventus from Sevilla in the summer of 2008 but has endured two difficult seasons with the Bianconeri.

JULY 16
Riera linked with Olympiakos

By Fotis Voinikas - Sky Sports

Olympiakos have demonstrated an interest in Liverpool winger Albert Riera, skysports.com understands.

The Spaniard's future at Anfield is uncertain after falling out with former boss Rafa Benitez.

Riera has since been linked with a switch to Spartak Moscow, but a deal failed to come to fruition.

However, Olympiakos have emerged as potential new suitors with reports claiming vice-president Sokrates Kominakis is in England for talks.

It is suggested Olympiakos are to offer €4million (£3.4m) but Liverpool are seeking nearer €5million (£4.2m).

JULY 16
Liverpool set to swoop
for Nice’s Remy

By Andrew Slevison - tribalfootball

Liverpool are set to swoop for Nice striker Loic Remy and snare his signature from under the noses of West Ham United.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson has reportedly thrown in a £12million bid for the 23-year old Frenchman and is keen to have the deal completed in the next few days.

Remy has attracted heavy interest from the Hammers who had come back with an improved offer after their first one was rejected and Tottenham were also believed to be set to pursue him.

But it seems as though Remy may end up at Anfield with the Liverpool board prepared to bring him in to develop him into a star.

JULY 15
Insua fee agreed

Darren Phillips - Shankly Gates

Reports suggest Emiliano Insua will join Fiorentina in a £5 million deal which could be wrapped up before the weekend.

Talks between the clubs had taken place before Roy Hodgson's appointment. Earlier this week the Reds boss admitted he had been impressed by the 21-year-old but suggested he may have no say in the transfer.

Now La Viola have met the value Liverpool have placed on the Argentine personal terms remain the only potential stumbling block.

However, few problems are expected.

Maynor Figueroa of Wigan Athletic has been identified as a replacement though should Insua leave the Reds will remain short of personnel in that position following Fabio Aurellio's summer departure.

Aurelio is being courted by a host of clubs and could join Aston Villa on a pay-as-you-play deal.

JULY 14
Gervinho rejects prospect
of leaving Lille for Liverpool

By Robin Bairner - Goal.com

Lille winger Gervinho is set to be the subject of an approach from Premier League side Liverpool, who are keen to add to their wide options after losing Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea, according to L’Equipe, though the player has already moved to quash such a move.

The Reds have already approached Gervinho’s representatives, according to the daily sportspaper, and they are ready to make the Ivoirian, who starred at the World Cup for the Elephants, their primary target in the current transfer window.

Les Dogues apparently hope for an offer of €15 million to prise one of their best players away, yet Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool are only prepared to table a bid of €12m, which could bring about a premature end to negotiations.

Gervinho has enjoyed a tremendous rise in his standing since signing for LOSC from Le Mans 12 months ago. He helped the Nord club into the Europa League once again last season, missing out on the Champions League on the last day of Ligue 1 action, and the 23-year-old contributed an impressive 13 goals over the course of the Championnat campaign.

Bayern Munich and Malaga have also been associated with the former Beveren player.

JULY 14
Liverpool’s Nemeth
linked with Lecce

By Andrew Slevison - tribalfootball

Liverpool forward Krisztian Nemeth is being linked with a move to Italian Serie A promotion winners Lecce.

The 21-year old Hungarian has failed to make a first team appearance at Anfield since arriving from MTK in 2007 and has had two loan deals – with Blackpool and AEK Athens – along the way.

Reports suggest that Lecce are prepared to pay £1million for a 50% ownership of Nemeth but it is also believed that new Reds boss Roy Hodgson wants to run the rule over him before anything occurs.

JULY 13
Valencia playmaker Banega
remains on Liverpool radar

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool remain keen on Valencia playmaker Ever Banega.

Banega was a target for former Reds boss Rafa Benitez and the club's interest has been maintained, despite the arrival of Roy Hodgson.

Financial difficulties at Valencia have seen several stars leave this summer, with David Villa and David Silva two high-profile examples.

The situation means that any player could leave the club, should an acceptable offer be made, and Liverpool could test the water this summer with a fee in the region of £10 million.

JULY 11
Scharner poised
for Anfield talks

TEAMtalk

Paul Scharner is set for talks with Liverpool next week over a free transfer to Merseyside, with his agent saying it would be a 'dream move'.

New Reds boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be an admirer of the versatile 30-year-old, who left Wigan after his contract expired at the end of last season.

Hodgson tried to sign the Austrian on three occasions when manager of Fulham, but failed in each attempt.

It was also thought that the 62-year-old was trying to secure his signature at Craven Cottage before moving to Anfield at the start of July.

Aston Villa, Sunderland, Bolton and Blackburn are also rumoured to be interested in landing Scharner's signature, but Liverpool is believed to be his preferred destination.

If the deal is to be successful, Scharner could possibly fill the void left by defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano should the Argentine depart.

"Roy Hodgson and Paul Scharner - this is a special relationship," said Scharner's agent, Valentin Hobel.

"Hodgson thinks that Paul's strengths in midfield are better than his attributes in central defence.

"Liverpool would be a dream, of course, but we are in contact with several clubs. Because he is a free transfer, he can choose."

JULY 11
Real Madrid eyeing
Liverpool fullback Johnson

tribalfootball.com

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is interested in Liverpool fullback Gen Johnson.

Mourinho has joined Johnson's former Reds manager Rafa Benitez, now in charge of Inter Milan, in his interest for the England fullback.

The Mail on Sunday says however, while Mourinho has been impressed by Liverpool’s Johnson, his former Inter Milan player Maicon is his first choice right-back signing.

JULY 11
Inter Milan include Muntari
in bid for Mascherano

tribalfootball.com

Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez will include Sulley Muntari in his offer for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Mirror says Mascherano is reportedly desperate to leave Liverpool and link up with former boss Benitez at Inter Milan.

And the Italians are prepared to offer former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari as a makeweight in order to reduce Liverpool's prohibitive £30m asking price.

JULY 10
Scharner linked

By Darren Phillips - Shanklygates

Paul Scharner may become one of Roy Hodgson's first signings as Liverpool manager.

Although Milan Jovanovic signed a three year deal on Thursday those terms were arranged prior to the new man taking charge. Like the Serbian Scharner is a free agent having left Wigan Athletic in the summer.

Fulham tried to sign the player during Hodgson's tenure at Craven Cottage. However, Newcastle United amongst others are also thought to be interested. Some in the North East have the St James Park outfit down as favourites to land the 30-year-old.

"Roy Hodgson and Paul Scharner - this is a special relationship," the Austrian's agent, Valentin Hobel, said implying that his client may well be lined up as a replacement for Javier Mascherano.

He added: "Hodgson thinks that Paul's strengths in midfield are better than his attributes in central defence.

"Liverpool would be a dream, of course, but we are in contact with several clubs. Because he is a free transfer, he can choose."Roy Hodgson is lining up moves for three Premier League players as part of his summer transfer plans.

Maynor Figueroa, one of Scharner's colleagues at the DW Stadium last term, is also linked to an Anfield future.

Joe Cole who is also available on a free has been touted as a possible new recruit though wage demands may be problematic to Liverpool.

Joe Ledley's situation is being monitored. The Welsh midfielder is set to leave Cardiff City in order to play in the top flight. Though is also being courted by Celtic.

Stefano Okaka who was on loan from Roma to Fulham and has played alongside Alberto Aquilani has been linked but his agent played down speculation.

20-year-old Okaka has been regularly loaned out by the Italian side over the past few seasons but has been capped at junior level by Italy during this time.

JULY 9
Crouch linked with
Liverpool return

tribalfootball.com

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch is being linked with a return to Liverpool.

The Independent says there have been suggestions that new Reds boss Roy Hodgson could be interested in bringing Crouch back to Anfield.

Hodgson tried to sign the England international for Fulham last summer.

JULY 8
Barcelona end interest for Torres

tribalfootball.com

Barcelona have dropped out of the running for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Sport says talk of Liverpool rating Torres at £70 million has scared off the Liga champs, who are struggling to meet Arsenal's demands of £40 million for Cesc Fabregas.

With Barca needing to borrow £120 million to pay player wages, transfer funds are tight and a move for Torres is now ruled out.

JULY 7
Cole set for Arsenal or Spurs
after rejecting Liverpool move

By Football Talk

The race for Joe Cole’s signature took another twist today after Metro.co.uk claim the player will reject the advances of Liverpool in favour of a move to either Arsenal or Tottenham.

Several of Europe’s elite have been linked with a move for free agent Cole after he was released by Chelsea after being unable to agree a contract extension.

Reports over the past few days have suggested Liverpool were right in the mix and new manager Roy Hodgson was keen to speak with the playmaker in an attempt to persuade him his future lay in Merseyside despite Liverpool being unable to offer him Champions League football next season.

But it seems Cole would prefer to remain in London leaving North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham to battle it out. The Gunners are understood to be in pole position after offering Cole a £115,000-a-week contract.

However, Tottenham have got a package together themselves that would include several bonuses on top of a £60,000-a-week basic wage.

Cole is currently on holiday with his family and has left his agent to deal with all negotiations until he returns next week. He is wanting to take his time over what will be his last major contract but has previously suggested his decision will be based on footballing not financial factors.

JULY 7
Hodgson on phone to Torres
to discuss Liverpool future

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has been on the phone to Fernando Torres about staying at Anfield.

The Guardian says Torres will hold talks with Liverpool after the World Cup before making a decision over his future as Chelsea prepare to step up their interest in signing the Spain international.

Torres, 26, who has endured a frustrating World Cup but is expected to retain his place in Spain's starting line-up for tomorrow's semi-final against Germany, has said that he wishes to speak to the Anfield board, as well as Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool manager, after the weekend to discuss the club's position and their long-term plans.

Hodgson has stressed the importance of retaining Torres and telephoned the striker within hours of his appointment as Rafael Benítez's successor to try to persuade him to stay at Liverpool. Martin Broughton, the Liverpool chairman, has also made it clear that the club's top players are not for sale, but Chelsea are expected to test that resolve and hope to convince Torres to leave Anfield for what is likely to be a record British transfer fee.

JULY 6
Report: Liverpool set to snap up
Twente attacker Bryan Ruiz

Goal.com

Roy Hodgson is determined to kick off his Liverpool refurb with the capture of Twente hot shot Bryan Ruiz, according to the Daily Mail.

Ruiz, 24, was the catalyst for Steve McLaren's successful charge to the Dutch title after he grabbed 24 goals in his debut season. This form initially alerted Hodgson when he was at Fulham but he lacked the financial clout to compete for the Costa Rican's signature.

Now in charge at Anfield he will move for Ruiz whether Fernando Torres leaves or not. Hodgson will have to fight off the advances of Villarreal, Rennes and Steve McLaren's new side Wolfsburg to land the player for a reported £12.5 million.

JULY 6
Newcastle defender Taylor
wants Liverpool move

tribalfootball.com

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is eager to see a move to Liverpool happen.

The Daily Express says Taylor is set to quit Newcastle United for Liverpool after becoming frustrated by the club’s lack of ambition as they return to the Premier League.

Taylor, 24, has been at Newcastle for a decade but is now keen to leave as owner Mike Ashley refuses to endorse major transfer spending.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has bid £6million for former England Under-21 centre-half Taylor and that may be enough for cost-conscious Ashley.

A Newcastle source said: “Steven is frustrated over the lack of ambition. Like all Newcastle fans, he just wants the club to become a force again.”

JULY 6
Roman jets out for £55m Torres

By Harry Harris - ESPN Soccernet

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has flown to South Africa to try to complete the signing of Fernando Torres, with sources telling Soccernet he is willing to pay up to £55 million.

Liverpool are believed to value Torres at around £70 million and refused to respond to speculation over his future until they had a new manager in place. Now Roy Hodgson has succeeded Rafa Benitez, he is evaluating the situation regarding five big-name stars at Anfield who are reviewing their own futures.

Torres has made it clear that he is focusing on the World Cup, but with the tournament drawing to a close, talks between all the interested parties are believed to be underway.

Barcelona are also reported to be interested but they are struggling to raise the funds. Torres himself is also unsure he wants to return to Spain at the moment.

A well-placed source told Soccernet: "Abramovich has authorised the bid of £50 million, and he's not expected to go much higher than that ... [but] I would think he might go to £55 million.

"Without any other creditable bidder, he sees no reason to go any higher. It's quite clear that Liverpool could get more from Manchester City, and the player could earn more from Manchester City, but the player doesn't want to go there. He wants Champions League football and the chance to win the major honours which he can do at Chelsea.2

The final cost were Torres to move to Stamford Bridge could top £100 million, as Chelsea will make the striker the highest paid player in the Premier League topping £200,000-a-week with his bonuses. A five-year contract would be worth £50 million to the player.

JULY 6
Liverpool eyeing
Wigan defender Figueroa

By Andrew Slevison - tribalfootball

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is believed to be keen on Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa and reportedly plans to beat Sunderland to the punch.

The Honduras international is attracting plenty of interest following his positive performances in all three of his nations World Cup group stage matches and he has now become a firm target for the Reds.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce attempted to reunite with the 27-year old last season but a potential deal fell through and now Hodgson is ready to come in for the £6million-rated defender to try and clinch him from under the Black Cats boss’ nose.

JULY 5
Chelsea hope to land
Torres with £50m bid

tribalfootball.com

Chelsea hope to do business with Liverpool for striker Fernando Torres to the tune of £50 million.

The People says Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is primed to offer £50m for Torres, who looks ­destined to leave Liverpool after comments this morning from his agent.

Liverpool claim they do not have to sell Spanish striker Torres, but a firm Chelsea offer – with cash up front – would seriously test their resolve. Chelsea have already planned for a future with Torres. He will be on top wages, and will be told that he will not have to play every week.

Carrying the burden of being Liverpool’s only top striker saw Torres succumb regularly to injury last season. Torres may be willing to join a club where he is rotated, along with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, and which is guaranteed to be in the running for all the major prizes.

Chelsea also want Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano but he is flirting with Rafa Benitez’s Inter Milan and Barcelona and Blues will not pay over the odds or offer a huge salary.

JULY 5
Barcelona will offer
£24m for Mascherano

tribalfootball.com

Barcelona are set to make an opening bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Mirror says Barcelona are planning to tempt Liverpool with a £24million offer for Mascherano.

The Catalan giants will hand Roy Hodgson the exact amount they received from Manchester City for Yaya Toure last week, according to reports in Spain.

New boss Hodgson is bracing himself for heavy transfer activity in the coming weeks, with uncertainty over the futures of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

And he knows that £24million, while less than Liverpool would want, still represents a profit on the £18.6million they paid for him in 2008.

JULY 4
Woy to splash that cash

Football 365

The headline from The News of the World looks pretty good for Liverpool fans.

'Hodgson in line for £40million kitty' promises the paper.

Sounds smashing, especially given that the consensus earlier in the week seemed to be that his transfer budget will only be £15million.

However, read the acutal story and the reality is slightly different.

The paper reports that he has been promised £12million from the existing Anfield piggy bank, but that will be topped up by the sales of Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera.

That will bring in up to £30million, and perhaps more importantly how he uses that money will determine whether Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard stay at the club.

The good news for Hodgson is that there seem to be a few takers for the men in question. Apparently Barcelona are more likely to sign Mascherano than Inter Milan, while Juventus are sniffing around Riera.

The money from the sale of Yossi Benayoun will go towards Rafa Benitez's pay-off, and the compo to Fulham for Hodgson himself.

...AND HE'LL SPEND THAT MONEY ON...
There's talk elsewhere about the players that Mr Hodgson might bring in to Liverpool.

The Mail on Sunday reports that Ashley Young is top of his wish-list, partly because Hodgson fancies a few more Brits among his merry Scouse band.

The paper claims Young will be his primary target, and will find out this week if Villa are prepared to let their winger leave.

And here are some quotes from the man to back that up:

"We would be foolish not to be aware of the importance of homegrown players with the way UEFA and Premier League rules are going. Otherwise we're going to struggle to get our squad numbers together.

"I think the club have been trying to do that already with younger players like Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling but it takes time for them to come through so we might have to go into the transfer market."

And on that theme, The Sunday Mirror reports that Newcastle's Steven Taylor is another target.

However, going against that grain, the same paper reports that Hodgson is sniffing around a deal for Ivory Coast winger Gervinho, but only if his club Lille drop their £10million asking price, with Woy only prepared to bid £8million.

JULY 2
Spanish media: Madrid test
the water in Gerrard battle

Ben Moss - Sport.co.uk

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have already made tentative enquiries for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Jose Mourinho has placed the Anfield talisman at the top of his summer shortlist and having failed in two attempts to sign the England star whilst at Chelsea, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ believes Gerrard may finally be ready to leave Merseyside.

Marca claim Liverpool’s appointment of Roy Hodgson will only delay the apparently inevitable departure of Gerrard this summer, as the 30-year-old has made up his mind to leave the Premier League after his club’s dismal showing last season.

Real Madrid have allegedly made a €24 million offer to Liverpool in an effort see how susceptible they are to selling their long-serving captain.

The Premier League side’s financial woes are well documented and the La Liga giants believe they will be able to sign Gerrard for £25 million.

Roy Hodgson yesterday received the backing of Gerrard after the England international suggested the former Fulham boss was the perfect fit for Anfield, but Marca suggest the player will soon take flight to the Bernabeu.

JULY 2
Liverpool tell Juventus
to up bid for Riera

tribalfootball.com

Liverpool have told Juventus to up their offer for winger Albert Riera.

The Daily Mail says Liverpool have rejected a £5million bid from Juventus for winger Riera.

Riera fell out with former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez and is unlikely to stay despite the appointment of Roy Hodgson.

Juve are keen to sign the 28-year-old but have been told they have to raise their offer.

JULY 2
Report: Benayoun to ink
£5.5m deal at Chelsea today

By Zack Wilson - Goal.com

Yossi Benayoun will confirm his exit from Liverpool within the next 24 hours and put pen to paper on a £5.5 million deal to join Chelsea, according to a report from The Sun.

It is understood one of new Reds boss Roy Hodgson's first acts in his new role was to rubber stamp the winger's departure.

The Israeli is expected to commit to a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, The Independent reports that Benayoun will earn around £55,000 a week with the Blues.

It also claims that Hodgson will be handed around £15m by the Anfield board to bring in reinforcements, with Javier Mascherano also expected to leave the Reds and uncertainty still surrounding the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

JULY 1
"Turkish delight" favours
Liverpool switch over Spurs

By Nigel Brown - Sport.co.uk

Galatasaray winger Arda Turan has revealed that his priority this summer is to move to Liverpool.

The reds announced this morning that Roy Hodgson will take over from outgoing manager Rafa Bentez, with Turan eager to join the new era at Anfield, while Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger are also monitoring developments.

Turan has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham the reported chasing pack. The 23-year-old admitted in January that it was his ‘dream’ to play for Liverpool issuing a come-and-get-me plea to the Kop.

However, the rumours over the Spaniard’s future had cast doubts over whether the Merseyside club would make a move for the Turkish international.

However Turkish reports this morning suggest that Liverpool and newly installed manager Roy Hodgson are the front-runners for the player’s signature, while concerns over the futures of Steven Gerrard, Javier Maschernao, Fernando Torres, and Yossi Benayoun continue to manifest.

Spurs and Arsenal are considered to be monitoring the situation, although the Gunners are rank outsiders for the Turkish international with Spurs and Harry Redknapp considered the main challenge to Hodgson landing Turan.

Reports last month suggested that Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp was ready to offer Mexican midfielder Giovanni Dos Santos plus an undisclosed sum for Arda Turan; a deal which the Turkish giants were planning to reject.

Meanwhile Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is dealing with the Cesc Fabregas situation while making strengthening his leaky defensive a priority. Turan has been consistent and vocal in his ambition to play for Liverpool, stating on several occasions in the Turkish media that if he left Gala his ideal destination would be Liverpool.

JULY 1
Hodgson to target four signings

By Zain Alvi - Premiership Talk

Roy Hodgson’s highly anticipated move to Liverpool is accompanied by rumors of a massive spending spree.

The man who turned Fulham’s fortunes around is now set to begin a new era at Anfield but rather than leaving all the familiar faces behind, he is rumored to be very interested in keeping at least two of them around.

According to the Daily Mail, Hodgson will bring Fulham duo Brede Hangeland and Danny Murphy with him to Merseyside. While Hangeland will be testing his defensive skills for one of the top prestigious clubs for the first time in his career, Murphy appears to be set for a second stint with the Reds.

Hodgson is also said to be pursuing a defensive midfielder to replace Barcelona-bound Javier Mascherano. Former Arsenal veteran Gilberto Silva is being lined up for a return to the Premier League following his impressive form for both Panathinaikos and Brazil.

Since Gilberto’s services wouldn’t cost an awful lot due to the financial crisis in Greece, Liverpool should also be able to complete the signing of Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid.

The Dutch midfielder has been used sparingly by the La Liga outfit and as Jose Mourinho prepares to ring in some changes of his own at the Bernabeu, the path will finally become clear for van der Vaart to complete a long-awaited move to England.

With Serbian Milan Jovanovic already confirmed as a Reds player for the next season, the future only looks brighter for a Liverpool side that has experienced nothing but disappointment in the last twelve months.

JULY 1
Barcelona hope £25m
enough to land Mascherano

tribalfootball.com

Barcelona intend to slap in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Sun says Barca will launch a £25million bid for Mascherano as soon as Yaya Toure completes his move to Manchester City.

The Catalan giants want Liverpool's Argy ace to replace Ivory Coast star Toure at the heart of their midfield.

Mascherano was left frustrated last summer after former Kop boss Rafa Benitez blocked a £22m switch to Barca.

Benitez, now at Inter Milan, is also in the hunt for the man he signed for £18m in 2008.

But Mascherano, 26, would prefer a move to Spain, where he would link up with Argentina team-mate Leo Messi.

JULY 1
Hodgson already eyeing handful
of transfers for Liverpool

tribalfootball

Incoming Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has already targeted a handful of players to bring with him to the club.

The departing Fulham boss wants to bring players such as Gilberto Silva, Brede Hangeland, Rafael van der Vaart and Danny Murphy to Anfield if and when he lands the top position.

And it is also expected that Hodgson will allow Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun to be sold which will strengthen his transfer kitty.

In other Reds transfer news, Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has decided to honour his pre-contract and join Liverpool on a three-year deal.

Thor Zakariassen ©