Other transfer news

[DingDong]

Smicer
Southampton are understood to have formally offered Liverpool £1.5m for Czech international midfielder Vladimir Smicer.

According to several sources, Smicer is aware of the offer, but is wanting to discover whether he has a future at the Anfield giants once a new manager is appointed.

Smicer, 31, has one year left on his current contract, but many believe it is unlikely the player, currently with the Czech Republic's squad preparing for Euro 2004, will be offered an extension at Anfield.

Smicer has had a mixed time at Anfield showing flashes of undoubted quality but has been plagued by niggling injuries and phases of inconsistency.

He was signed by former boss Gerard Houllier in the summer of 1999 from French club Lens to replace Real Madrid bound Steve McManaman.

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Hargreaves
Bayern Munich have told Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he can sign Owen Hargreaves if he meets their valuation of the England midfielder.

Hargreaves has admitted that he is willing to consider a move to the Premiership with one of the top sides in a bid to further his international career.

The 23-year-old burst onto the scene three years ago when he was part of the Bayern side who saw off Valencia on penalties to lift the 2001 Champions League.

However, he has been unable to hold down a regular place at the Olympic Stadium and amid reported interest from the Reds, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told the Reds they may be willing to do business should the Merseysiders meet their valuation.

"If Liverpool make an offer that is acceptable, then we shall deal with it," he said.

The Reds have been linked with Hargreaves - who would command a fee of up to £5m - as rumours of Steven Gerrard's possible £38m sale to Chelsea gather pace.

Hargreaves can play across the midfield and made three substitute appearances for England at Euro 2004, converting a penalty in the shoot-out defeat to hosts Portugal.

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Traore
Newspaper reports today claim that Marseille are keen on signing Liverpool defender Djimi Traore after a proposed £1million move to West Bromwich Albion collapsed.

West Brom are still keen on recruiting Traore on a season long loan but Liverpool would rather receive a fee for the player to put towards this summer's transfer kitty.

Pape Diouf - Marseille's general director - is claimed to have visited the city last week to try and hammer out a deal for the 24-year-old.

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Ballack
Word has reached us that German international Michael Ballack's agents are talking to Liverpool about a possible transfer.

Word has reached us that German international Michael Ballack's agents are talking to Liverpool about a possible transfer.

The 28-year old joined Bayern München from Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2002 after he helped Leverkusen to second place in the Bundesliga and to both Champions League and German Cup finals.

He scored twice against Liverpool in the quarter-final at the BayArena as Leverkusen overturned a one goal deficit from the first leg. In his first season at Bayern he won the German double as Bayern stormed to the championship and German Cup, but last season was a disappointment as they ended up without any silverware.

Euro 2004 was also a big disappointment for both Germany and Ballack as they headed out of the competition in the group stage. He did manage to score a great left-footed shot in the final group game against a weakened Czech Republic side, but the Czech's came back to win the game 2-1 and send the Germans home.

He made his full international debut back in 1999 against Scotland, and is closing in on his 50th cap. He has also managed to find the net 19 times in a German shirt.

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if ballack is coming it will be good, and personally i dont mind smicer and traore going... hargreaves will also be a good backup for the midfield... so positively good news for us for the moment.

[kennethlindheim]

Liverpool are not signing Ballack,but are ready to table a bid of 15 million for Alonso.

Ballack will not go to liverpool unless they come up with 100 million euros

[DingDong]

Baraja
Newspaper reports today claim that Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Valencia ace Ruben Baraja.

It is claimed that Benitez wants to sign his former player to help fill the void if Steven Gerrard is sold to Premiership big spenders Chelsea. The 28-year-old is said to be up for a move and a fee of around £8million has been quoted.

A source at Valencia is quoted as saying: "If the right offer comes in, we will take it. Liverpool seem the ideal club for him and he will fit right in at Anfield.

"There are ongoing talks although Benitez is waiting for the Gerrard affair to be sorted one way or the other before finalising a deal."

It is interesting to note that Baraja and Benitez both have the same agent.

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Ballack
Recent media reports are linking Bayern Munich's Michael Ballack with a move to Liverpool, despite claims that the German International would only be interested in joining Barcelona.

Ballack would command a huge transfer fee, however a cash+player deal could come into effect since Didi Hamann expressed an interest in returning to his former club.

The reports quote Ballack as saying: "I want to take a break following our departure from the European Championships.

"My agent is talking to Barcelona, Liverpool and others. We may say something this week but first I must rest."

Liverpool fans will obviously remember Ballack's two goals in the 4-2 Chmapions League quarter final defeat against Bayer Leverkusen two years ago.

His second goal, a towering header to level the score on 2-2, was ironically scored minutes after Hamann was substituted for 'tactical reasons'.

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Baros
Juventus are considering a move for Milan Baros, according to a report on the Gazzetta della Sport.

The newspaper claims that the Italian giants are interested in the Euro 2004 top scorer together with fellow Czech Marek Jankulovksi, who plays in the Serie A with Udinese.

[Alessandro10]

i havent here that we want Baro's!! He is Czrch yes!! Just another to add to our list of wanted Czech stars!! (total about 5)

I dont believe that Ballack will go to Liverpool!! Too much!!

[DingDong]

Babbel
Markus Babbel has reiterated his desire to quit Anfield and move back to Germany.
Babbel is expected to return to Melwood next week to begin training with his Liverpool team-mates as he waits to discover if a transfer to the Bundesliga materialises.

Having spent last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers the experienced defender is expected to switch to Kaiserslautern, but so far no concrete offer has been made.

"I know about Kaiserslautern's interest, but there's no concrete offer yet," he said.

-I believe I will start to prepare for the new season with Liverpool."

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Cheyrou
French midfielder Bruno Cheyrou has left Anfield to join Marseilles on a year long loan.
Cheyrou was in Marseilles today completing a medical after opting to link up with the club which knocked Liverpool out of last season's UEFA Cup.

"I had to see if I wanted to opt to stay under a new coach or if I wanted to go to another club. So I opted for a change," he said.

"Jose Anigo (Marseille coach) told me that he really wanted me to play. It was good to know that a coach was really counting on me."

Anigo is delighted with Cheyrou's capture and is sure he will bring many qualities to the Marseilles team.

"He has a good left foot, he's athletic and he's able to score with headers," said the French coach.

Cheyrou could make his move to Marseilles permanent at the end of the year long agreement.

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Davids
Recent media reports are linking Liverpool with a move for Dutch ace Edgar Davids.

The former Juventus star is available on a free transfer and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be chasing his signature.

"I've received two very interesting offers from England and will announce a decision in the next few days," said Davids.

"I've been linked with a move to England for a long time and maybe it's the right time now."

Davids has also been linked with Italian club Inter Milan.

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Diouf
MALAGA are ready to call time on El Hadji Diouf's disappointing stay at Anfield.

The Spanish side have been in contact with Liverpool over the purchase of the Senegalese striker, who has endured a miserable time on Merseyside since signing two summers ago.

Diouf arrived at Anfield with a burgeoning reputation after star-ring for his country in the 2002 World Cup, his £10.5million move from Lens making him the second most expensive player in Liverpool's history.

But the player dubbed 'the Serial Killer' has become synonymous with the club's faltering period under departed manager Gerard Houllier.

Diouf has scored just six goals in 80 appearances during his two seasons at Liverpool and has often courted controversy, most notably when he spat at Celtic supporters during a UEFA Cup tie in Glasgow in March 2003.

The 23-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Marseille, and with new signing Djibril Cisse having taken over his number nine shirt, Diouf has ominously been left without a squad number.

Liverpool would accept an offer of around £3m for the forward. However, it is likely the Anfield side would have to reach a settlement with Diouf over paying the remaining two years of his contract as Malaga are unable to match the player's current salary.

The Spanish side may ease their financial burden by proposing a player-plus-cash deal involving midfielder Miguel Angel, but Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is thought not to believe the midfielder of sufficient quality for his squad.

Another option is for the Primera Liga side to take Diouf on loan for a season before making the move permanent.

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Owen
Michael Owen is set to hand Liverpool another huge boost before the start of the new season by signing a new contract at Anfield.

The England marksman's future has been under intense criticism for months, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the coming season.

The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have been hovering around, with Owen refusing to commit himself one way or another.

Owen always said that he would not wait until the end of his contract and leave on a Bosman, meaning that he would either sign or leave Merseyside this summer.

The 24-year-old has now reportedly agreed to sign a new two-year contract, worth around £80,000-a-week, to settle his future for the time being.

Owen should pen the deal before he jets off on holiday next week, and the news will be a massive bonus to all Reds fans - coming hot on the heels of Steven Gerrard turning down a move to Chelsea.

The skipper's decision may well have influenced Owen, as has the appointment of new manager Rafael Benitez, as both players are desperate to challenge for the Premiership title with Liverpool.

Reds chief executive Rick Parry would have preferred Owen to sign a lengthy contract, but the two-year deal is believed to be a compromise which will allow Owen to see how successful the club are under Benitez before making a further decision.

The news will also be a boost for Benitez who can now count on both his England stars for the coming season.

With Djibril Cisse also arriving at Anfield from Auxerre, Czech Republic star Milan Baros in red-hot form at Euro 2004, and the reported move for Dutch star Edgar Davids, Reds fans have renewed hope for the coming year.

[DingDong]

Dietmar Hamann is the surprise name that will lead a dramatic - and costly - Anfield clear-out.

New Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has already identified eight players he deems surplus to requirements at the club - and the German is the most high-profile casualty.

The Spanish coach is ready to ruthlessly prune the squad assembled at great cost by Gerard Houllier.

Benitez will not tolerate the expensive misfits who ultimately cost Houllier his job. Even though Liverpool will be forced to take take some painful losses, the 44-year-old is ready to act tough.
Emile Heskey has already been sold at a near £9m loss and £5m misfit Bruno Cheyrou is all set to join Marseille, either on loan or a permanent deal.

African player of the year El Hadji Diouf is also on the way out, after handing over his No.9 shirt to new arrival Djibril Cisse, with Lens and Malaga looking for a bargain basement deal on a striker who cost £10m just two years ago.

Diouf's Senegal international colleague Salif Diao, a snip at £5m, will follow, as will young French midfielder Alou Diarre who, ridiculously, has never even arrived at Anfield despite being signed by Houllier two years ago.West Brom have lined up a move for another French defender, Djimi Traore, while Liverpool will listen with great intent to anyone who is prepared to take £7m Croatian Igor Biscan off their hands.
Markus Babbel and Gregory Vignal are also set to leave and Benitez will consider offers for Czech international Vladimir Smicer, who is interesting Portsmouth and Lens.

But it is Hamann who is the one surprise choice for the chop.

The German is a favourite of the fans but Benitez believes that his influence is too negative on a side he wants to move forward more swiftly, and more decisively.

Hamann cost £8m and the club is unlikely to recoup much of that. In total, Liverpool could take a loss of £40m on their list of unwanted players.

Benitez is hoping to replace Hamann in the Liverpool midfield with Spaniard Xabi Alonso - pinching him from the clutches of Real Madrid.

The Madrid giants thought they had lined up the Real Sociedad star in a £7m deal but Liverpool are ready to pounce while Madrid are tied up with their presidential elections.

England's Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has also been targeted as a possible replacement, as has the Spanish coach's previous captain at Valencia, David Albelda.

[Seifer]

This is what I've heard:

Players on the OUT: Smicer (maybe), Cheyrou (marseille on loan?) Diarra (never showed up really) Diao, Diouf, Hamann (yes, I know..but it's what I've heard) Traore, Biscan.

Players on the IN: Cisse (signed), Baraja, Ricardo, Davids (maybe to chelski instead??) Hargreaves, Carvalho.

[DingDong]

Ricardo
Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo has revealed he would jump at the chance of a summer move to Anfield.
The man who knocked England out of Euro 2004 after saving Daris Vassell's penalty and then firing the winner past David James is reported to be unsettled at Sporting Lisbon and looking for a move to the Premiership.

Whether Liverpool are in the market for a new goalkeeper or not will depend on how much Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland impress new boss Rafael Benitez when training starts next Monday - but clearly our new Spanish boss won't have to look too far to find a number one desperate to move to Anfield.

Ricardo's agent said: "He would jump at the opportunity to join the Premiership, especially with Liverpool.

"He has shown his qualities through this year's tournament and if a club could afford him then he would quit Lisbon. Rafael Benitez will know all about Ricardo from his time in Spain."

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Baros
Real Madrid presidential candidate Lorenzo Sanz claims to have reached agreement with three of the leading performers at Euro 2004, including Liverpool striker Milan Baros.

Sanz, who is looking to regain power at the Bernabeu after losing the 2000 election to Florentino Perez, insists he has reached agreement with Baros - the leading scorer at Euro 2004 with five goals.

He also claims to be on the verge of landing Baros' Czech Republic team-mate Tomas Rosicky, as well as Portugal midfielder Maniche.

Sanz said on Tuesday: "I travelled to the finals of Euro 2004 to sign the players who shone the most.

"We reached an agreement with Baros, Rosicky and Maniche as well as recovering a player who would never return to Real Madrid with Florentino Perez there, Samuel Eto'o."

Should he win, and at this stage he remains an outsider behind Perez, who is seeking a second term, Sanz intends to bring in three of the players immediately and Rosicky at a later date.

He added: "Baros and Maniche would be at (new coach) Jose Antonio Camacho's disposal from the moment I was elected president as would Eto'o who would return home and put an end to so many loan deals.

"We have an option to buy Rosicky within a year."

Sanz claims to have discussed Maniche's transfer with his current club Porto but, crucially, has yet to speak to Liverpool about Baros or Borussia Dortmund regarding Rosicky.

His claims, therefore, may seem outlandish - but pledges to buy new players have always been at the cornerstone of election campaigns.

Indeed, Perez assumed power at Real Madrid based largely on his promise to sign Luis Figo from arch-rivals Barcelona

[Seifer]

Baros confirmed that Real had approached Liverpool with an offer on Czech TV. He said that nothing had been agreed yet and he was still joining up with the rest of the Liverpool players later this month. It's anybody's guess now...

[DingDong]

Baros
Liverpool today insisted they have not been contacted by Real Madrid over the availability of Czech ace Milan Baros.

Madrid presedential candidate Lorenzo Sanz has insisted a deal to take the player to Spain has been agreed with his agent if he comes out on top in the Spanish club's elections this weekend.

And Baros has confirmed he heard of interest from the Spanish giants following his goalscoring exploits at Euro 2004.

Baros is waiting to speak with new manager Rafael Benitez before making a decision on his future, although the Reds are likely to command a huge fee for their young striker if he insists he wants to leave.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "There has been no contact between the clubs. Milan is expected back in training on July 19, along with the other players who played in Euro 2004."

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LORENZO SANZ will have to hand Liverpool £10million to fulfil his election promise of taking Milan Baros to Real Madrid.

Sanz has pledged to sign the Anfield striker, Tomas Rosicky and Maniche if he beats Florentino Perez in Sunday's presidential election as he appeals to the Madrid electorate on a Euro 2004 ticket.

But Baros's outstanding performance in Portugal, where he finished as the tournament's top scorer, and Sanz's vow means Liverpool will demand up to £10m if he ousts Perez as president.

Baros, who cost Liverpool £3.6m from Banik Ostrava in December 2001, yesterday confirmed his agent had agreed a deal with Sanz during the European Championships.

Liverpool, however, have not had contact from any club regarding the 22-year-old, who has also been linked with Barcelona, and the deal is dependant on Sunday's results and Rafael Benitez's decision.

"Something happened during the European Championship," the striker told Czech newspaper Sport. "Mr Paska (his agent) called me at the weekend and told me about it.

"It would certainly be a great challenge. But I have a contract with Liverpool.

"I will return there after the holidays on July 19 and everything will depend on possible agreement of both clubs and my manager.

"When I return to Liverpool, I will talk with coach Benitez. He will tell me his view."

Baros was largely overlooked by Gerard Houllier last season after recovering from a broken ankle suffered against Black-burn last September.

But his rise to prominence in Portugal sparked a transformation in his fortunes.

Agent Pavel Paska, who also represents Borussia Dortmund's Rosicky, said: "I had a meeting with Mr Sanz on Sunday in Lisbon.

"We concluded agreements in which he undertook that if he becomes the president of Real, he will buy both players."

This story has been reproduced from today's media and is not necessarily the position of Liverpool FC.

[kennethlindheim]

I actually think that if you sell Baros to Real it would be very good business for both teams (if you can get 10 million plus for him).Ronaldo's role there seems to be just to get the ball within 30 yards and shoot and this would be what Baros would thrive on.I am not sure he fits in with what i have seen of Benitez mentality involving a lot more team play,where I expect Owen to shine this year.

[DingDong]

Diao & Diouf
HARRY REDKNAPP is lining up a double swoop for Liverpool duo El-Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao.

The Portsmouth boss wants to take the Senegalese players on a season-long loan. It is understood the south coast club have already contacted the Reds about their availability.

The pair have been a major disappointment for Kopites, failing to recapture their sparking displays at the 2002 World Cup.

Diouf and Diao were signed by Gerard Houllier two years ago, but both have struggled to settle at Anfield.

Diouf, 23, has failed to live up to his £10m price tag. He has made just over 60 starts in a Liverpool shirt, mainly on the right wing, yet has found the net on just six occasions.

Last season he failed to score in the 33 games he played.

Pompey need a new striker after failing to secure Newcastle hitman Lomano Lua Lua. They see Diouf as an ideal replacement, although they fear his wages may scupper any deal.

His fellow counryman Diao, 27, cost £5m from French club Sedan, yet has barely figured for the Liverpool first team, after being dogged by injury.

Redknapp has to find a defensive midfielder after Russia captain Alexei Smertin returned to Chelsea after an impressive loan spell. The Portsmouth boss believes powerfully built Diao will fit the bill.

However, it is not yet clear whether new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will want to assess all his players before deciding on their fate.

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Coloccini
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez is making a shock move for AC Milan's Argentine centre-half Fabricio Coloccini to add muscle to his defence.

Hard-man Coloccini could be on his way to Anfield in a cut-price move - either for a £3.5million fee or on loan for the season. The 22-year-old is registered with Milan but has spent the past three seasons in Spain, with temporary moves to Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villareal. Benitez likes his physical and skilful style and watched him regularly when he was in charge of Valencia.

The mop-haired defender was a star of Villareal's super season, making them one of the toughest back lines in La Liga and helping to take them to the UEFA Cup semi-finals. Benitez wants a new young centre-back and is working within a budget. The new Anfield boss has turned to Coloccini because he knows it will be hard to prise fellow Argentine Roberto Fabian Ayala from Valencia.

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Catalayud
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is reported to have made discreet enquiries for Malaga goalkeeper Juan Catalayud.

Although Liverpool are well covered in the goalkeeping department with Jerzy Dudek, Chris Kirkland and Patrice Luzi, Spanish daily AS claims Benitez will look to offload one of the three to make room for Catalayud.

The 24-year-old battled with Francesc Arnau to be the number one at Malaga last term, and impressed as he made 19 starts in La Primera.

Real Madrid are also understood to be admirers of the custodian, but it is Benitez who has approached Malaga to ask about his availability.

The player shares the same agent as Benitez, Manuel Garcia Quilon, which would help facilitate a deal if The Reds do press ahead with a move.

Interestingly, Malaga are known to be lining up a swoop for Liverpool forward El Hadji Diouf who has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Anfield.

It has been suggested that Catalayud could be used as part-exchange in any transfer, although AS claims Malaga president Serafin Roldan - while acknowledging contact with Liverpool - insists the talks are with a view to a deal at the end of next season.

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Mista
Meanwhile, the Spanish press have claimed that the Merseysiders are very much in the race to sign wantaway Valencia striker Mista.

The hit-man, who has one year left on his deal at the Mestalla, has broken off contract talks with the club leading Valencia to suspect he has been approached by a third party.

Liverpool, along with Barcelona and Ateltico Madrid, have been mooted as his most likely suitors, but the opportunity to be reunited with Benitez - who took him to Valencia from Tenerife - could prove tempting for the 25-year-old.

Mista has confirmed he has now definitely ended talks with Valencia and will not be signing a new contract with The Che.

hope we sign mista...

[DingDong]

Mido
Mido's agent has confirmed to skysports.com that Southampton and Liverpool have emerged as bidders to sign his client.

The French media claimed that both The Saints and Pool were very much in the running for the Egyptian's services.

Now Christophe Henrotay has confirmed that there is interest from both Anfield and St Mary's.

"He is going to probably go on loan to England, we know this," Henrotay told skysports.com.

"I know these clubs (Southampton and Liverpool) are interested and maybe something will happen next week.

"There is a lot of interest and we will have to see."

Newcastle United were strongly tipped to land Mido earlier this summer and Henrotay insists they are not out of the running saying: "They are still interested."

Mido is currently with Marseille, but he is surplus to requirements at The Stade Velodrome and is looking to secure a move to England.

[DingDong]

Trabelsi
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made a late bid to sign £4 million Ajax defender Hatem Trabelsi ahead of Arsenal and Newcastle.

The Tunisian star has no future at Ajax after falling out with the Dutch club over his contract and has been told to sort out his future this week.

Arsenal remain the favourites but Liverpool's 11th hour intervention has offered the Tunisian full back a further option. Ajax have told all interested clubs they must lodge a £4 million bid by close of business on Monday.

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Kluivert
Liverpool emerged on Saturday night as surprise favourites to land Dutch star Patrick Kluivert who is available on a free transfer from Barcelona.

New Reds manager Rafael Benitez has told his board to sign the Dutchman who is being hawked around English clubs such as Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Newcastle are still interested but Liverpool are moving in quickly for the forward freed by Barcelona. With no transfer fee Benitez thinks a wage offer of £60,000 a week will be good business.

Benitez is already welcoming Djibril Cisse, and with Michael Owen and Milan Baros, the arrival of Kluivert would give him four top international strikers.

Although Kluivert comes with some 'baggage' Benitez feels he can mould the player into a force for Liverpool. A deal could take place this week.