Germany marched through to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 with a convincing 3-2 victory over Portgual last night. Croatia take on Turkey in tonight’s all Eastern Europe quarter-final, before it’s the turn of Dirk Kuyt’s Holland against Russia tomorrow. Back at home, there’s more transfer speculation hotting up around Anfield.
Oliver Kay writes in this morning’s The Times that Xabi Alonso’s expected move to Juventus is against the Spanish midfielder’s wishes.
Although Alonso refuses to comment on transfer speculation surrounding him as he helps his country in Euro 2008, Alonso is quoted in saying he expects to start next season at Anfield.
Alonso’s agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, has held talks with Juventus over the past fortnight, but the player, who signed a five-year contract with Liverpool last summer, suggested yesterday that he would be happy to stay at Anfield. The situation is complicated, however, by Liverpool’s financial position.
Alonso was quoted as saying, “At the moment, I’m a Liverpool player and I am just focusing on the Euros. You will have to ask Liverpool what is happening.
“I have four more years of my contract and my plans are to start next season with Liverpool unless there is a change. I can’t really say any more. It’s between the two clubs.”
Spain take on Italy in a mouthwatering Euro 2008 quarter-final tie on Sunday evening.
The Daily Mail reports that Rafa Benitez is not confident over persuading club co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to part with £20million to secure Spanish international winger David Silva.
He sees the capture of 22-year old Silva, who can operate on either flank or just behind the main striker, as a statement of intent, though, and is exploring ways of funding a deal.
The Guardian suggests that the imminent arrival of Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell at Aston Villa could pave the way for the Martin O’Neil to accept Liverpool’s latest bid for captain Gareth Barry.
Liverpool hope Aston Villa will lower their minimum £18m asking price for Gareth Barry after Villa agreed a fee of about £5m with Chelsea for the midfielder Steve Sidwell.
And finally, as mentioned in several papers this morning, former Liverpool captain Paul Ince looks set to take up the managerial position at Blackburn Rovers.
