Bellamy in talks

[hanuma]

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?h...iverpool+talks

Blackburn Rovers have given permission for Liverpool to speak with striker Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is desperate to pep up his forward line after off-loading Fernando Morientes and losing Djibril Cisse to a broken leg.

The Spaniard is an admirer of Bellamy's pace and direct style, leading to a bid that is thought to have triggered a release clause in the former Newcastle United star's contract.

The 26-year-old scored 13 goals from only 22 Premiership starts for Rovers after making a £5 million switch from St James' Park to link up with his former international coach Mark Hughes.

The Blackburn manager will be upset to lose last season's top scorer, particularly after agreeing a new deal with influential midfielder Steven Reid on Monday.

Bellamy has nine goals from 33 caps for Wales and is a proven Premiership performer after coming through the ranks at Norwich City and displaying his confident, aggressive attitude.

Rovers chairman John Williams wants to keep his star man but the offer, believed to be £6.5 million, has led to the chance of UEFA Champions League football for the player.

"We have made it crystal clear to Craig and his advisers that we want him at Ewood Park," Williams told the club's official website.

"We made him an improved offer before Liverpool declared their interest, an offer that was consistent with our ambition and determination to build on last season's success.

"The decision now rests with the player."

Bellamy is currently on honeymoon but is expected to agree to the switch before the end of the month.

Surprised...I thought you had a bit more dosh tbh....that said, a very good player, even if he is a cock.

[hanuma]

Rafa says...

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is ready to sit down with Craig Bellamy to talk over a possible transfer from Blacburn to Anfield.

The Reds have agreed a deal for the Welsh international and have received permission from the Ewood Park club to talk to the player.

Benitez admits Bellamy possesses all the qualities he is looking for in a footballer and he's hoping the two strike up a good relationship when they meet over the coming days.

"We have an agreement which allows us to talk to the player," Benitez said.

"He is on holiday, but we will talk over the next few days. I know the player's qualities very well. He is a very good footballer and now we need to see if he has the passion to play for our club.

"I don't think this will be a problem because he is a Liverpool fan, so I think it will be easy for him.

"I will be talking to him to express my ideas. He has the ability, the pace and the talent we've been looking for and now we need to talk about other things."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...60620-1246.htm

[kennethlindheim]

Bellamy is an excellent player who will sort two of Liverpools biggest problems -Quality striker and pace down the flanks. his movement and running off the ball to creat space for others is better than anyone I've seen

The downside to Bellamy is he's a complete arsehole who will end up dragging Liverpool's name through the mud, likely to be another court appearance or two

At £6.5 million he's worth the risk, but I would be gutted if he signed for them.

[NJ10]

this will be a good signing imo (if it happens). always been a fan of his from his Newcastle days, when he and Shearer were on fire.

for me, the only question mark is regarding his fitness, he was always injured at Newcastle, and we dont want him spending more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.

he has pace, scores goals, sets them up, runs all day and i think he and Big Pete could be an excellent partnership.

as for the off the pitch reputation, he is no worse than the likes of Diouf, Dyer, Pennant etc, because he consistently produces the goods on the pitch, and has a good work ethic. you could never accuse Bellamy of not caring or not giving 100%, even if you could call him a gobby little bastard.

[Sven]

i faught you be upset. i mean with the likes of Kjut defoe and bent been in the news for possible targets and you then going for a ex coventry player

[NJ10]

what, you think id want kuyt, defoe or bent ahead of bellamy? no fucking way, bent has had one good season, and would cost more than 6.5m, defoe is way way way over rated (i think i hate him), and Kuyt would be a massive risk considering he plays in the Dutch league.

this is a good deal (and yeah i know i said the same about morientes)

[Sven]

ok good point, but woudnt you think liverpool would want to go for a 20 goal a year striker? which you need last year. Bellamy is good but not proven 20 goal a year.

i like bellamy maybe with the back up of liverpool players he could be your man.

[NJ10]

20 goal a year strikers dont come available often. am i right in saying Bent never got 20 last season, and Defoe never has??

Kuyt has got 20 goals in the Dutch league, but Mickey Mouse could score 20 goals in that league, we saw that with Tomasson.

and we didnt "need" a 20 goal striker last season, we needed a striker who wasnt lethargic, slow, wasteful in possession, and who had no cutting edge in front of goal......bellamy for me is the opposite of those points

[Sven]

ok fair enough , but it is a gamble. then again any signing is a gamble.

[NJ10]

very true

[Sven]

Nj10 have Liverpool confirmed the signing Fabio Aurelio? interested if you have.

Fine player.

[NJ10]

no not yet

[Sven]

Are you looking forward to see him at Liverpool? woudnt this drop either Risse or Warnock down a spot?.

[hanuma]

If you could get these players you'd be as good as anything.

...................Reina
Alves Carragher Milito Aurelio
Gerrard Momo Alonso Speedy
.......... Bellend Kuijt

Obviously Agger could be as good or better than Milito in a year or so's time.

[Sven]

thats an impressive team.