With January fast approaching, the papers and rumour mills of this world are watering at the mouth at the chance of making up some juicy transfer speculation to rock the Premier League. Here we have a look at what this morning’s back pages are saying about the rumours spreading around Anfield.
The Daily Mirror suggests that arguments over pay are stalling Daniel Agger’s contract negotiations, with the Danish defender allegedly demanding £70,000 a week. The paper says this news is pricking the ears of Italian giants AC Milan.
Milan believe they can get Agger for £8million, which would represent a £3million profit for Liverpool on a player they signed from Brondby two years ago.
And the paper has already suggested long-term Rafa Benitez target and former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze could be Agger’s replacement. Strange though as the Real Madrid man plays a different position to Agger.
Daniel Taylor of The Guardian worries Liverpool Football Club may face disciplinary action from the Football Association after organising an open campaign to ‘˜Free Michael Shields’ at Anfield on Monday night.
Officials at Soho Square are considering whether to bring disciplinary charges after taking exception at the manner in which Liverpool have publicly backed a man who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian waiter, Martin Georgiev, in May 2005.
Andy Hunter of The Guardian discusses the frustrations of out-of-form striker Robbie Keane, with Benitez publicly backing him to find his scoring touch.
Keane, BenÃtez’s showcase signing of the summer, was withdrawn for the 15th time in his brief Liverpool career on Monday night as the new Premier League leaders were held to a goalless draw by West Ham United. The Republic of Ireland captain’s frustration was evident when his number went up in the 66th minute and the raw French forward, David Ngog, took his place to cap another unproductive night in front of goal for the 28-year-old.
And finally, Fernando Torres’ name is being mentioned in relation to massive bids expected to be put forward by Manchester City this January. Says Jason Burt of The Independent:
Although it would appear almost impossible to prise any of the players away from their clubs, especially mid-season, City are determined to test the resolve with a world-record fee ‘“ beating the £48m that Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001 ‘“ in the hope that one of the big names will be signed.
