Before we begin today’s round-up of the latest Liverpool transfer speculation, congratulations to Barcelona who were crowned European Champions last night after beating Manchester Utd 2-0 in the Champions League final in Rome.
With the 2009/10 season just a few days gone, it looks as if the Anfield Rumour Mill is going to have another busy season of transfer speculation and sagas with Benitez looking to perfect his squad for the biggest title challenge to date.
Today, Fernando Torres signed a new deal with the club which could end up seeing him stay another year beyond the six-year deal he signed two years ago. If anything, that should keep the gossips of this world quiet about extraordinary bids from Man City coming in for the Spaniard for another year at least.
The Mirror reported this morning that the Reds are ready to swoop for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, should Xabi Alonso leave Anfield this summer.
Reports suggest Benitez is preparing a £10million bid for the 20-year-old who the Reds were warned off buying in 2007. Martinez’s current contract at Bilbao expires in 2012.
So convinced were the Mirror that Martinez will be arriving on Merseyside this summer, they printed ‘˜ten things you need to know’ about the Spaniard.
Meanwhile the Daily Mail is looking at a Reds player who it would seem ‘“ by general consensus of the media ‘“ is definitely on the way out before the new season starts, Ryan Babel.
The paper reports that the Dutchman’s career with Liverpool is ‘œeffectively over following showdown talks between his agent and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.’
The report says that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is interested in snapping up the 22-year-old winger and is set to put in an £8million bid. Babel was signed from Ajax for £10million two years ago.
The Mail also reports this morning that Benitez is preparing a big shake-up of his team of staff with Kenny Dalglish and Gary McAllister set to return to the club. This afternoon it was confirmed that Reserves coach Gary Ablett will leave the club at the end of the week.
And finally, Javier Mascherano has told Argentine radio station Radio La Red that he would love to see international teammate Carlos Tevez at Anfield next season. Tevez’s loan deal at Manchester Utd expires at the end of June, and Alex Ferguson has been told to find £25million to keep Tevez at Old Trafford.
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