DECEMBER 31
Dubai
investors want Becks in Red
TEAMtalk
Liverpool's prospective owners are reportedly eyeing a shock move for
former Manchester United star David Beckham.
The Sunday People claims Dubai International Capital (DIC) are close to
completing their takeover of the club and are angered by suggestions that
they will use the club as a short-term, money making exercise.
The new owners, led by Sheikh Maktoum, see a move for Real Madrid's
ex-United midfielder Beckham as the perfect way to reassure Reds supporters.
The former England captain is out of contract at the end of the season and
looks certain to leave the Bernabeu, where he has found himself a fringe
player this season under new boss Fabio Capello.
It is claimed he already has offers on the table from Los Angeles Galaxy and
New York Red Bulls, as well as reported interest from clubs in Serie A.
The report suggests that Rafa Benitez sees Beckham as the solution to his
problems on the right of midfield, with Jermaine Pennant having failed to
impress since his summer move from Birmingham.
However, Liverpool are not one of the 15 clubs interested in Beckham,
according to the News of the World.
Despite his irregular appearances at the Bernabeu, Madrid president Ramon
Calderon said: "After the conversations we have had in recent months, David
Beckham already has our offer for a new contract on the table. Now he has to
decide.
"All of us would like to see him continue at our club and extend his
contract."
DECEMBER 27
Atletico plan Alonso
swoop
Sporting Life
Atletico Madrid are hoping to sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso,
according to reports from Spain.
The capital outfit are having a successful season in La Liga, currently
sitting fourth in the table behind Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
And if they can keep young stars like Fernando Torres at the Vicente
Calderon, the future looks bright.
According to Spanish daily AS Diario, they're already looking towards next
season, with stylish midfielder Alonso one of the key targets.
Atletico have yet to make contact with Liverpool, and the Spanish
international has a contract on Merseyside which runs through to 2009.
But despite that, they're reportedly optimistic of landing him in the
summer.
Alonso has been a mainstay of Rafael Benitez's Anfield revolution since
joining for around £10million from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2004.
He starred in that astonishing Champions League final win over AC Milan in
Istanbul in May 2005.
But the prospect of a return home to La Liga and Champions League football
with Atletico would be an attractive proposition.
DECEMBER 14
Valencia step up
Reina hunt
By Francisco Acedo - Sky Sports
Valencia are reported to have stepped up their bid to strike a deal for
Liverpool number one Jose Reina.
The Spanish international is being strongly linked with a move to La
Mestalla, but coach Rafa Benitez has insisted he intends to hand his number
one a new contract.
However, with Marco Amelia's agent claiming the Italian is wanted by
Liverpool - it seems to be adding weight to the reports that Reina could be
departing.
Reina's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon has revealed that talks with Liverpool
and Valencia are set to commence.
"There is an offer for Liverpool to follow," he told skysports.com.
"But the kid has some questions."
Reina's partner is due to give birth in March and is understandably
concerned about the prospect of moving his young family.
Valencia's sporting director Amadeo Carboni is understood to have initiated
the contact between the two clubs.
However, it is also believed that although Valencia are looking to broker an
early deal - it would be with a view to a summer move, rather than in
January.
DECEMBER 13
Reds lead Amelia chase
By Nadia Carminati - Sky Sports
Marco Amelia's agent claims Liverpool are hoping to sign the Livorno
goalkeeper in January.
The Italian international suggested last month that Liverpool were one of a
number of clubs chasing his signature.
Amelia is regarded as one of the most highly-rated custodians in Europe and
his performances have attracted the interest of some top clubs including
Milan, Juventus and Chelsea.
The 24-year-old is believed to be weighing up his future with Livorno
looking to hold talks over a new extended contract.
Amelia's representative Carlo Pallavicino played down reported interest from
Milan and suggests Liverpool are heading the queue for the goalkeeper.
"Liverpool want him in January," said Pallavicino. "I have never had
contacts with Milan, even if I know they are following Marco."
Milan had been strongly linked with a move for Amelia after Dida was
sidelined by injury, but Pallavicino says he has never heard from the
Rossoneri regarding Amelia.
"Milan never contacted Amelia or me. Probably Marco is not in their current
plans," added Pallavicino.
News of Liverpool's interest comes as something of a surprise with Reds boss
Rafa Benitez claiming last week he was keen to open talks with current
number one Jose Reina over a new deal.
Amelia, meanwhile, believes he has proved he is good enough to win a move to
a top club following his success at Livorno.
"I showed my value and I am confident that I could contribute to teams such
as Milan, Inter, Juventus and Chelsea," Amelia told Studio Sport.
"Fear? No, an experience of that type would not make me afraid."
Amelia also reiterated his desire to one day play for hometown club Roma.
"To play one day in Rome would please me, in my town with the people of
Rome.
"It has been a dream and a large emotion."
DECEMBER 12
McManaman set for
Hong Kong
By Andrew Scurr - Sky Sports
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman is set to
join Hong Kong Rangers, according to reports in Asia.
McManaman has been out of football since leaving Manchester City at the end
of the 2004/05 season.
He has been working as a TV commentator in Asia since departing Eastlands
but is ready to return to playing in Hong Kong's first division.
According to the South China Morning Post, the 34-year-old former England
international could link up with Rangers for the second half of the season.
Rangers will be hoping McManaman can help them better last season's
third-place finish.
DECEMBER 10
Toon linked with £7m
Liverpool striker
swoop
Fans FC
Newcastle United will try and prise Peter Crouch away from Anfield in
January according to reports on Sunday
The England international has netted nine times for the Reds this season but
the arrival of Dirk Kuyt and the recent return to form of Craig Bellamy
means he is not getting as many first team games as he would like.
Liverpool though are unlikely to do business in the New Year as they are
still in the Champions League and any deal may have to wait until next
summer.
Newcastle are also thought to be chasing another England international,
Manchester United's Wes Brown in a £3m deal.
DECEMBER 1
Reds to
beat United in transfer chase
Clubcall Sports
Liverpool are reportedly set to beat Manchester United to the signature
of Hamilton Academicals star Jamie McCarthy.
The 16-year-old is already a first team regular with the Scottish outfit and
made his debut at the age of 15.
Hamilton recently confirmed that a host of Premiership clubs have been
sending scouts to watch the player, with Liverpool believed to be favourites
to land the teenager.
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