Liverpool Transfer Talks Options

[alien2005]

Roy Hodgson says Barcelona must increase Mascherano bid

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said Barcelona must increase their offer for Javier Mascherano after he was left out of the side beaten by Manchester City.

The 26-year-old was not in the Reds squad as they lost 3-0 and Hodgson said he might not pick the midfielder until the transfer window ends on 31 August.

Hodgson told BBC Sport: "His head is being turned by Barcelona, who are making overtures to him.

"But until an offer matches our valuation he will stay with us."

He said the sticking point with Barcelona was that the amount offered was "way, way below" Liverpool's reported £25m valuation of Mascherano.

Hodgson continued: "The player still remains unhappy. He is not interested in the justice of the fee, he just wants to move.

"It makes it uncomfortable for us. It's something to be resolved but certainly Javier was not in the right frame of mind so it was better to play with Lucas and Steven Gerrard, who certainly were committed to the cause."

Before the defeat at Eastlands, Hodgson said he hoped matters would be resolved before the end of the transfer window so he could pick the Argentine again.

Some reports circulating on Monday evening suggested the Catalan giants were offering only £12m for a player who cost Liverpool £18m three and a half seasons ago.

Hodgson has been consistent in conceding Liverpool would let Mascherano leave provided they received the right offer, honouring an agreement the player struck 12 months ago when Barcelona first expressed their interest.

Turning his attention to purchasing new players, Hodgson added: "I think we could augment our squad if we wanted to but the big thing is to make sure we find the right player.

"I don't want to be acting through panic, I want to make sure the player we sign is the right one."

Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have revealed Liverpool have already been in touch over the possibility of signing their striker Ola Toivonen.

Although it was a miserable night for Hodgson's side, Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour was treated to a comfortable victory on his first visit to watch his team at Eastlands.

"He was very happy because it was the first time he saw City beat Liverpool - I think it was a good night," said City manager Roberto Mancini.

"I hope he can come every week but I don't think it is possible."

Gareth Barry opened the scoring for City before Carlos Tevez netted twice, with Mancini keen to play down the expectations surrounding his side following the victory.

"I thought we played well," stated the Italian. "We need time to gel and improve because we were missing four or five important players.

"But the team played with a good mentality. If they play with a good mentality I think we can beat every team.

"We beat a strong team like Liverpool, who can fight for the title. This win helped us believe in ourselves and this is important."

City's latest acquisition, James Milner, set up the first goal but denied he was nervous before making his debut.

"Luckily I was selected," he said. "It's always tough against Liverpool but we got three goals and a clean sheet.

"The club is moving forward, they've signed a lot of great players. There is great competition, which is healthy for any team so hopefully we can build on this."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/e...rem/8938241.stm

[alien2005]

Reds move for Konchesky

Skysports.com understands Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky.

Reds bos Roy Hodgson has openly admitted bringing a new left-back is one of his top priorities this summer and it is believed he wants Konchesky to solve the problematic position.

Hodgson is a big admirer of Konchesy having worked with the 29-year-old for two-and-a-half-years prior to his switch to Anfield.

Liverpool are keen to bring in a new left-back before the close of the transfer window and had been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven's Carlos Salicido.

However, it appears Liverpool have opted to go for Konchesky with the player having just a year to run on his contract at Fulham.

Konchesky's future at Fulham has been the subject of speculation all summer with Birmingham having seen one bid turned down eartlier this summer.

New Fulham boss Mark Hughes was keen to keep hold of the former Charlton man, but Konchesky is thought to have informed the Cottagers chief of his desire to be reunited with Hodgson at Anfield.

Liverpool are believed to be prepared to pay up to £3.5million to land Konchesky as Hodgson looks to finalise his rebuilding plans at the club.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6334464,00.html

[alien2005]

Alberto Aquilani joins Juventus on loan from Liverpool

Liverpool's Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani has returned home to join Juventus on a one-year loan move.

The two clubs have agreed a deal for the 26-year-old, who cost the Anfield outfit £20m from Roma in August 2009.

Aquilani has struggled for form and fitness since arriving at Liverpool but passed a stringent medical in Turin.

A Juve statement read: "Agreement has been reached for the loan of Aquilani with the option to buy him at the end of the season for 16m euros (£13m)."

Aquilani was left out of last week's win over Trabzonspor in the Europa League to remain eligible for other clubs.

"For Aquilani, this year it is very important that he plays regular football every week as the number one man on the team sheet," Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said after the match.

"I can't promise him that here so if a loan move to Italy could help him in that respect it might be good for all parties.

"It would certainly be what he needs, it would certainly protect the value of the player and when he does return to Liverpool no doubt we will see the Aquilani that we signed before he came here injured last year."

Aquilani, who has been capped 11 times by Italy but was overlooked for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, has made only 28 appearances for the Reds, scoring two goals in the process.

Juventus have further boosted their squad by signing Serbia international striker Milos Krasic from CSKA Moscow in a deal that could eventually be worth over £12m.

They turned their attention to 25-year-old Krasic, a member of Serbia's World Cup squad, after their interest in Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko was rebuffed by German club Wolfsburg.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/8931587.stm

Kuyt talks 'ongoing'

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is still in negotiations over a move to Inter Milan, according to his agent Rob Jansen.

The Holland international has been linked with a move to the reigning European champions, who have reportedly made an offer for the 30-year-old.

Kuyt's agent claims the clubs are still in negotiations, but are yet to reach an agreement over a deal thought to be worth in excess of £15million.

"The two clubs continue to talk, but things are moving slowly," claimed Jansen.

"The difference between demand and offer is important. It is something between the clubs but Dirk told Liverpool he no longer wants to be involved as this is something that regards his career and life.

"It doesn't mean he wants to leave at all costs, but when a club like Inter comes along it's normal to look into the situation further."

The former Utrecht and Feyenoord frontman was omitted from Liverpool's Europa League win against Trabzonspor at Anfield last week but did play in the Premier League defeat at Manchester City on Monday night.

Kuyt looks likely to be heading for a reunion with former Reds manager Rafa Benitez who is a known admirer of the hard-working Dutchman.

The player's current contract sees him tied to Liverpool until the end of next season, although he has yet to publicly confirm his desire to stay at Anfield.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6335021,00.html

This post has been edited by alien2005: Aug 25 2010, 03:20 PM

[alien2005]

Diarra in Reds link

Liverpool are reported to have been offered Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

Diarra is thought to be surplus to requirements at El Santiago Bernabeu following the summer arrival of Sami Khedira from Stuttgart.

The 29-year-old has just a year to run on his current contract and Real are willing to offload him now rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Liverpool could be in the market for a defensive midfielder should Javier Mascherano leave Anfield for either Barcelona or Inter Milan.

Former Lyon star Diarra admits he would be interested in a move to England as he wants to be playing regular first-team football.

"A chance to play in the Premier League would be excellent for me because I simply desire to play and not be on the sidelines," said Diarra.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6339589,00.html

[alien2005]

Inter Milan's 'joke' offer for Mascherano rejected

An Inter Milan offer for Argentine Javier Mascherano has been summarily dismissed by Liverpool's Roy Hodgson.

The 26-year-old Argentine, who is also a target for Barcelona, was brought to Anfield by former Liverpool manager and current Inter coach Rafael Benitez.

"We received a fax about Mascherano, but it was a joke fax," said Reds boss Hodgson after the win over Trabzonspor.

"There was no chance we'd even consider it and it was just playing lip service that Benitez wanted the player."

Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt has also been linked with a move to Inter, but after Liverpool's Europa League 3-1 aggregate qualifying win in Turkey, the Dutch forward was adamant he was happy to stay at Anfield.

However the future of Mascherano, who did not travel to Trabzon for the Reds' Europa League play-off second leg tie, remains very much up in the air, with Barcelona yet to meet Liverpool's asking price for a player that cost them £18m three and-a-half seasons ago.

Prior to Thursday's match Hodgson has not ruled out selecting the Argentina captain for Sunday's Premier League game against West Brom, despite Barcelona's interest in the midfielder.

"I am seriously hoping that in the next couple of days it will be sorted out one way or another," said Hodgson. "Although I have no idea which way that will be."

Hodgson added: "I wouldn't want to say he has played his last game for Liverpool.

"The negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs and if he had played here [in the Europa League] it might have prejudiced the transfer and I didn't wish to do that to the player.

"But Sunday is very much a question because I think by then I should know one way or another whether he is going to play for Liverpool this season or Barcelona."

Hodgson had said the sticking point with Barcelona was that the amount offered was "way, way below" Liverpool's reported £25m valuation of Mascherano.

Some reports circulating on Monday evening suggested the Catalan giants were offering only £12m for a player who cost Liverpool £18m three and a half seasons ago.

Hodgson has been consistent in conceding Liverpool would let Mascherano leave provided they received the right offer, honouring an agreement the player struck 12 months ago when Barcelona first expressed their interest.

Earlier in the week, he told BBC Sport: "His head is being turned by Barcelona, who are making overtures to him.

"But until an offer matches our valuation he will stay with us."

Mascherano join Liverpool in 2007 from West Ham, initially on a loan deal that was turned into a four-year contract the following year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/8938241.stm

[alien2005]

Barca to sign Liverpool's Javier Mascherano for £17.25m

Liverpool have sold midfielder Javier Mascherano to Barcelona for about £17.25m, BBC Sport understands.

The deal is subject to the 26-year-old Argentina captain passing a medical with the Catalan giants.

Barcelona confirmed on their website: "The clubs have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Mascherano for the next four seasons."

"Barcelona will report the details once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded."

And the Barca statement continued: "The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.

"It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."

Liverpool had been keen to recoup the £18m they paid for former River Plate midfielder Mascherano when he arrived from West Ham.

The Anfield outfit had rejected an initial bid of £16m from Barcelona seven days ago but he subsequently missed Monday's defeat by Manchester City and Thursday's trip to Trabzonspor, where Liverpool secured a place in the group stages of the Europa League with a 3-1 aggregate win.

Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in 2007, initially on a loan deal that was turned into a four-year contract in 2008.

Barcelona failed in an attempt to lure him to Spain last summer but on his return from the World Cup in July, Mascherano made it clear he wanted to leave Anfield, saying his wife could not settle in England.

Since taking charge of Liverpool in July, manager Roy Hodgson had been eager to end the uncertainty surrounding Mascherano's future.

"I am seriously hoping that in the next couple of days it will be sorted out one way or another," stated Hodgson on Thursday. "Although I have no idea which way that will be."

Liverpool have also received a bid for Mascherano from Inter Milan, now coached by Hodgson's Reds predecessor Rafael Benitez.

But former Fulham boss Hodgson dismissed the offer from the Italian side saying: "We received a fax about Mascherano [from Inter], but it was a joke fax."

Meanwhile, Inter have also been linked with a move for Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt.

However, following the victory over Trabzonspor the Dutch World Cup finalist committed his future to Anfield.

"I have had a great time here so far and hope my future here will be great as well and that I can win trophies with Liverpool," said Kuyt.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/8948564.stm

[alien2005]

Konchesky set for Reds medical

Sky Sports Sources understand Fulham defender Paul Konchesky will undergo a medical at Liverpool this weekend.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson confirmed earlier this week he had spoken to his former club over a possible move for the left-back.

And 29-year-old Konchesky, a regular during Hodgson's time at Craven Cottage, now appears likely for a reunion with his former boss on Merseyside.

The stopper, a twice-capped England international, arrived at Fulham from West Ham three years ago.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6342686,00.html

[krs]

Reds complete Meireles deal

Liverpool have completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles on a four-year contract.

The Reds have paid 14 million euros for the services of the 27-year-old midfielder, who has won four titles with Porto and been capped 38 times by Portugal, including in all four of his country's games in this summer's World Cup.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news...e-meireles-deal

[alien2005]

Liverpool close in on Fulham defender Paul Konchesky

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson says he expects to sign Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky "in the next couple of days".

Reports suggest Konchesky, 29, would move to Anfield with Liverpool's reserve striker Lauri Dalla Valle going to Craven Cottage as part of the deal.

"There are one or two minor details that need to be sorted," said Hodgson after Sunday's 1-0 win over West Brom.

Hodgson added that he hoped to make another acquisition before the transfer window closed at 1800 BST on Tuesday.

But the 63-year-old Reds boss moved to cool speculation that it would be PSV Eindhoven forward Ola Toivenen he would be signing.

"If we can I'd like to bring in one more player and that would be excellent," added Hodgson.

"We are short [in the striking department] so we don't need to disguise the fact that it would be nice to get a striker but they are very hard to come by.

"If the right man comes along I know that the club are prepared to act but I don't want to act on the wrong man and just add another body to the club.

"It would have to be someone who could really play alongside Fernando [Torres] and, in my opinion, improve us as a team.

"I like Ola Toivonen but he's not the right type of player that we are looking for at the moment."

Konchesky, who watched from the stands as Liverpool registered their first league win of the season, moved to Fulham in July 2007 from West Ham on a four-year deal.

He has two England caps and made his international debut in 2003.

The Barking-born player was a West Ham academy trainee before leaving to join Charlton, and went on to make 169 appearances for the Addicks.

In 2005, West Ham bought Konchesky back in a deal worth £1.5m and he made 62 appearances for the east London side.

On Friday, Hodgson's former club Fulham completed the signing of Mexico international left-back Carlos Salcido from PSV.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/8944785.stm

Reds make Cole enquiry

Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool have made an enquiry about West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster his attacking options before the transfer deadline on Tuesday and has identified Cole as a potential target.

Contact has been made with the Hammers but Liverpool's pursuit of the player is still at an early stage and it is unclear whether they will be able to strike a deal.

Avram Grant has previously stated that he does not want to sell the striker, while Cole himself has declared that he expects to stay at Upton Park.

But it is not surprising that the 26-year-old has attracted interest after establishing himself as an effective Premier League performer.

Cole and his West Ham team-mates have had little success this season, though, losing their first three games to lie bottom of the table.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6347088,00.html

This post has been edited by alien2005: Aug 30 2010, 04:13 AM

[alien2005]

Javier Mascherano has completed his £17.25m move from Liverpool to Barcelona after passing a medical with the Spanish giants on Monday.

The 26-year-old Argentina captain underwent a five-hour "exhaustive" review, according to Barcelona's team doctor Ricard Pruna.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ool/8948564.stm

[alien2005]

Insua set for Gala loan

Emiliano Insua looks set to leave Liverpool after statements on his Twitter page suggested he was moving to Galatasaray.

The Turkish giants are thought to be thrashing out a deal to bring the Argentine left-back to the club on a one-year loan after becoming surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Insua was thought to be joining Italian side Fiorentina this summer but despite the deal all but being done, the player's wage demands saw the transfer fell through.

The 21-year-old is unlikely to be a part of Roy Hodgson's plans following the imminent arrival of Fulham defender Paul Konchesky and the re-signing of Fabio Aurelio.

Insua is thought to be in Istanbul finalising the details of the deal and undergoing a medical.

The player's page read: "Road to Istanbul, in search of continuity, I hope to leave everything!

"I am waiting for news about my future. Eager to play and keep dreaming big!"

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6350021,00.html

Gomez keen on Reds

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez is interested in a move to Liverpool, according to the player's agent.

Liverpool are believed to made a loan enquiry for the German international as they look to bolster their attacking options and help take some of the burden off Fernando Torres.

Gomez has dropped down the pecking order at Bayern and he is thought to be considering a move as he searches for regular first-team football.

The player's agent, Uli Ferber, has admitted it would be hard to reject a move to Liverpool.

"When a club like Liverpool inquires, their interest cannot be pushed off the table," Ferber told Kicker.

No move

However, Bayern's sporting director, Christian Nerlinger, claims no one will be leaving the German champions before the transfer window closes.

"Bayern Munich are not a superstore for other clubs to come and help themselves to players," said Nerlinger.

"No player will be leaving and they will certainly not be leaving on loan."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6349732,00.html

[alien2005]

Konchesky completes Reds move

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of defender Paul Konchesky on a four-year contract from Fulham.

The left-back was expected to make the move on transfer deadline day after previously passing a medical and agreeing personal terms, and the deal has now been announced on the Reds' official website.

Youngsters Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic have moved in the opposite direction as part of a players-plus-cash deal.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson, who managed Konchesky at Fulham prior to taking over on Merseyside earlier in the summer, will now hope that the 29-year-old can solve his problems on the left-side of defence.

Fulham have also announced Konchesky's departure and the arrivals of Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have confirmed a double deal for youngsters Suso and Adam Hajdu.

Spaniard Suso impressed for the reserves during the summer and has now completed his move from FC Cadiz on a scholarship agreement, subject to international clearance.

Hajdu arrives from MTK Budapest on a temporary transfer until 30th June, 2011, with the deal also subject to international clearance.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6350625,00.html

[alien2005]

INSUA LEAVES LIVERPOOL FOR GALA

Emiliano Insua has left Liverpool for Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent.

The 21-year-old full-back has been at Liverpool for the past four years, having joined as a youngster from Boca Juniors.

However, he struggled to break into the side and the signing of Paul Konchesky by the Anfield club put another hurdle in his path.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/trans...rpool_Snap.html

[alien2005]

EL ZHAR JOINS PAOK ON LOAN

Liverpool have confirmed Nabil El Zhar has joined Greek side PAOK on loan until the end of the season.

The Moroccan international will spend the 2010-11 campaign at the Toumba Stadium after failing to figure for the Reds so far this term.

El Zhar arrived on Merseyside from St Etienne in 2006 and has played on 32 occasions for the club, with his most memorable moment coming when he struck a sensational goal in a 2-1 success over Robbie Fowler's Cardiff City in the Carling Cup.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/trans...ual_230210.html

PLESSIS LEAVES REDS FOR GREECE

Liverpool have completed the transfer of Damien Plessis to Greek outfit Panathinaikos for an undisclosed fee.

The Frenchman moves to the Trifylli after failing to break into Roy Hodgson's first-team plans.

Plessis arrived at Anfield from Lyon in the summer of 2007 but failed to force his way into the Reds midfield, featuring just eight times and scoring one goal.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/trans...ual_202616.html