SEPTEMBER 30
Reds to return for
Simao
By Francisco Acedo - Sky Sports
Rick Parry has confirmed that Liverpool are likely to launch another
offensive for Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa in the January transfer window.
The Reds came close to landing the Portugal international on transfer
deadline day and had agreed a fee in the region of £10 million for the
former Barcelona star.
However, although the player had boarded a plane for England to discuss
terms, Benfica had a last-minute change of heart and decided to pull the
plug on the deal.
Rafa Benitez is known to still be in the market for a right-sided midfielder
and Parry conceded that Simao's excellent display against Manchester United
on Tuesday night - in which he scored a stunning free kick - had not gone
unnoticed at Anfield.
"He is a great player and we need more like him," Parry told O Jogo.
"I did not see the Manchester United - Benfica game, but I heard about his
great goal and excellent performance.
"Simao is confirming that he is a great player."
When quizzed whether Liverpool would be moving for him in January, he
continued: "We have still not definitively decided, but it is an interesting
option for us.
"We need a player with his characteristics.
"I don't know if Benfica are willing to let him go, but we can talk."
Meanwhile, reports in Spain are claiming that Liverpool are plotting a move
for another right winger, Real Betis star Joaquin.
The 24-year-old has oft been linked to The Premiership with Manchester
United and Chelsea long-term admirers of the flying wide man.
However, neither club could prise him from the Seville-based outfit and
ultimately moved for differing targets, Cristiano Ronaldo and Shaun
Wright-Phillips.
It is claimed that Liverpool are now preparing to test Betis' resolve and
invited the player's agent Gonzalo Arguinano to Anfield for their UEFA
Champions League clash with Chelsea in midweek.
Joaquin's release fee stands at some €60 million (£40 million) but sources
insist an offer in the region of £16 million could persuade Los Verdiblancos
to do business.
Any move in January is likely to rely heavily on how Betis fare in the
Champions League and, given that they are involved in Group G along with
Liverpool and Chelsea, The Reds will have a big say in that.
Parry's comments, though, appear to suggest that Simao remains Benitez's
priority.
SEPTEMBER 12
Liverpool
linked with Ferdinand
Kop Talk
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring West Ham centre-back Anton Ferdinand
with a view to making a bid for the player's services.
The 20-year-old Hammer's graduate, who can also play as a right-back, signed
professional terms at Upton Park in the same week his older brother Rio
completed his record-breaking move to Manchester United and he's continued
to make noteable progress ever since.
Manchester United and Arsenal have previously been linked with the player
who is comfortable on the ball, quick and a good reader of the game.
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