Athletico: No bids for Torres
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says Liverpool have not tabled a bid for striker Fernando Torres. “We’ve had no offer from Liverpool for Torres,” said Cerezo. “He’s on his holiday and resting.
Athletico though have reportedly had a 17mE bid for Villareal striker Diego Forlan turned down, prompting speculation they are lining up a replacement for Torres.
Should we draw anything by the denial of a bid? If anything it proves we are in talks – so often clubs or players deny such moves and within days the transfer happens. Lets hope that happens in this case.
Rafa: No Cisse loan deal
Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez has ruled out Djirbil Cisse being loaned out again this season – Marseille ahd reportedly wanted to loan him again despite having an agreement to purchase the player after last season’s loan. Bolton are currently being heavily linked with him with them facing the prospect of losing Nicolas Anelka to Arsenal.
Benitez said “The situation with Cisse is clear. If another club wants him, they must buy the player. We do not want another loan.”
Cisse though has been reported to be used aswell as Luis Garcia in the Torres deal, with Athletico reportedly wanting £24m and Liverpool only wishing to part with £20m.
Pre-Season begins this week
Liverpool’s non-international players will return to training this Thursday, with players who played in internationals after the end of the season being given another week until July 5th when they return. Javier Mascherano is away on international duty now with Argentina facing USA on Thursday in their opening game of the Copa America.
Carson staying at Anfield
According to Rafa, who has told the England international to fight for the starting spot and challenge Pepe Reina this season: ‘œI was speaking to Scott recently and I told him he will be part of our first team squad next season. He must fight with Pepe Reina now for a starting place.”
