It’s been a busy couple of days of Liverpool news; a rejected bid for Peter Crouch, work beginning on the new stadium, reports of a ₤50m ‘war chest’ demand from Rafa Benitez, that report being strongly denied and then today another report suggests Rafa will have money available to fund the signings of David’s Silva and Villa…
Crouch bid rejected
Liverpool have reportedly rejected a ₤9m bid from Portsmouth for out-of-favour England international Peter Crouch. The Reds are said to be wanting closer to ₤12m but with just one year remaining on his contract that isn’t an amount Pompey agree with and on Wednesday media reports suggest Harry Redknapp will not increase the bid but alter the way payments are made.
Alonso’s Juve move edging closer?
Another man seemingly on the way out of Anfield is Xabi Alonso with continued press speculation surrounding a move to Italian side Juventus. Liverpool are looking for ₤16m for the Spanish midfielder and talks are set to increase once Spain’s European Championships end next week.
New Anfield ‘works begin’
Preparatory work has begun on the site of Liverpool’s new Stanley Park stadium. Boards have been erected on the Anfield Road side of the site and will soon surround the area, with soil being readied ahead of the real work beginning in September. Other infrastructure for the work such as portakabins and temporary roads will be created over the coming weeks.
Owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett released their first joint statement this year and since their public spat, which they claim now to be resolving. They insist the new stadium – which they are yet to even get funding in place for – will be ready for the 2011/12 season. Most fans remain hugely skeptical with the current global credit crunch meaning Hicks and Gillett would likely be required to front ₤100m of the funding themselves, thus seeing them put money into the football club for the first time since purchasing the club in February 2007.
Share Liverpool FC Website Relaunched
Speaking of our owner situation, Share Liverpool FC have recently relaunched their website and are requesting supporters to re-look at the facts and re-sign up if they are interested in the potential scheme. Please visit their website here for more details.
Reds pre-season begins live on Setanta
Setanta Sports have announced their live games during pre-season and will begin with Liverpool’s short trip to Tranmere on Saturday July 12th. The match is the Reds’ first warm-up and will therefore most likely see Rafa Benitez play 2 different XI’s in each half.
David, David, David
David Maddock in Wednesday’s Daily Mirror reports that Tom Hicks “has assured manager Rafa Benitez that money will be made available for transfers this summer.” Maddock speculates that “could see the Spanish coach granted his dream of being able to bid for Euro 2008 superstars David Villa and David Silva.”
Apparently, “Texan tycoon Hicks is hoping to persuade his business partner George Gillett that the time has come to invest in the Anfield club in search of massive future profits.”
We can but dream?
Valencia however, have insisted they believe both players will remain at the struggling La Liga club.
Yossi a Pompey Target
Going back to transfer news, and midfielder Yossi Benayoun has been confirmed as a target for Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp. He said “He’s a top player. I don’t know what the chances are of getting him out of Liverpool.” But Benayoun has stated his desire to remain on Merseyside and finish his career with the club.
Back-Up Keeper Linked
After failing to sign Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor as back-up for Pepe Reina, with Scott Carson expected to leave this summer, Rafa Benitez is reportedly interested in Fulham‘s Finnish international Antti Niemi. Niemi, with over 150 appearances in the Premier League and 67 for his country, is certainly experienced and with Roy Hodgson having signed Mark Schwarzer this summer and having Kasey Keller already then Niemi could definitely be available. [Discuss]
