LFC Daily Update News & Rumours

[kennethlindheim]

If Eto'o goes he will be the worlds most expensive signing, and I can't see Liverpool paying so much.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I don't think Eto'o will be the worlds most expensive signing but he will be sold for a lot of money.

[Tom Andre]

We can only dream...

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Eto'o admits Reds liking

Samuel Eto'o has revealed his admiration for Liverpool, but claims he is not looking to leave Barcelona.

The Cameroonian is one of the most highly regarded strikers in world football, but his future at Barcelona has been shrouded in doubt for much of the season.

He had public fall out with Barca coach Frank Rijkaard and it was claimed in March that Eto'o had been offered to clubs in the Premiership.

This was swiftly denied by Eto'o's advisors, but the forward has added fuel to the fire by admitting he is a fan of Liverpool.

"I like Liverpool's courage," he is quoted as saying in Four Four Two Magazine. "They have a big red heart. They showed that against us. We did not underestimate them.

"You have to recognise that in the two games, Liverpool played extremely well. They defend well and are organised.

"I like Gerrard. He runs a lot. He does everything well.

"Gerrard is the best English player. No, change that, at the moment he is the best player in England."

Eto'o admits to being a fan of English football, but claims he is not looking to leave Barcelona.

"I watch English football," he added. "I like the crowd because it is always close to the pitch and the stadiums are always full.

"We played at Anfield and it was very loud, with lots of different songs. I like that. Football is different in England. It has a place in English hearts."

Commenting on his own future, he added: "I have a contract here until 2010 and I am happy with that."

Source: Skysports

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella, Real Madrid's Raul and West Ham's Carlos Tevez have all been linked to be a possible transfer target to summer.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rafa considering talks to Finnan

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is eager to work out a new deal for Steve Finnan, but has told the Irishman to try and be more consistent.

Finnan has been a virtual ever-present in the Reds side this term but Benitez feels his performances have suffered as a result.

The defender starred in the 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday but Benitez reckons he played better in Liverpool's last two campaigns.

"He is playing very well now, but maybe the last season was better because this year he has played more games and more minutes than the others," Benitez explained in The Daily Star.

"He has played every game and also with the national team so it is not easy to be consistent.

"He is always a player who will play well but last season and the season before he was playing better."

Finnan's current deal expires at the end of next season but there are several other players due for contract talks in the summer and Benitez is not prepared to discuss individuals.

"We want to do something before the end of the season. All of the players are important and I cannot talk about the situation of each player," he said.

"It's fair to say I am really pleased with my squad and would like to progress with all the players."

Source: Skysports

Finnan really deserve a new contract offer.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool are set to make a sensational swoop for Real Madrid legend Raul

Rafael Benitez has been tipped off Real's skipper will be sold at a cut-price £5million at the end of the season.

And the Kop boss is in pole position to snap up the striker, who has been revered by Bernabeu fans for the last seven years.

Raul, 29, was a regular visitor to Anfield last season to watch close friend Fernando Morientes in action.

He developed a rapport with Benitez, whom he also knew when the Anfield chief was second-team coach at Real.

A Madrid source revealed: "Real president Ramon Calderon is starting to think it is time to overhaul the squad and bring in younger and fresher players."

Raul's agent, Gines Carvajal, declared: "If he leaves Real his destination would be easy to choose. It would be England."

Benitez would also like Barcelona hitman Samuel Eto'o but fears he may not be able to afford the Cameroon star.

Source: News Of The World


Raul

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Kewell lined up for Latics

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes Harry Kewell may play against Wigan in two weeks' time.

Kewell is yet to kick a ball for The Reds this term after injuring himself at last summer's World Cup in Germany.

However, the ex-Leeds ace is back in training and Benitez believes he may be ready to make his first-team return against Wigan on 21st April.

"He's back in training," Benitez said in the Daily Star Sunday.

"But when you've been injured for a long time and you start working hard you get tired and need rest.

"He's close but how close? We'll need to see him playing in some small games first.

"Then after that we'll need to see him play eleven-a-sides.

"He will play again this season, though. Maybe in two weeks' time."

Source: Skysports

I can't wait for him to play for Liverpool again.We really need him as Gonzalez have been a big dissapoinment.

[Oliver_Kahn]

What do you think about signing Raul ?

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I think that will be a great signing.Raul is a player who have big influence on his team mates.I have much respect of him.He have a strong personallity and never ends up in trouble.He can be our new penalty taker.We don't have a firm penalty taker.He's a hard working striker like Rafa worship from a striker.Raul/Kuyt could be a good partnership.Raul will always be Raul although he's not the same player he once where.But anyway he's still a great footballer.I just think he need a new club to play for.Sometimes you need something new.He have been to long in Real Madrid.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Well he is indeed a great player, but as you know, not many Spanish players adapt to the Prem. Look at Morientes.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

That's true.But Garcia, Reina and Alonso have done well.I think Premiership will suit Raul better than it did to Morientes.Arbeloa seems to have settle also.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Yeah, Garcia, Reina and Alonso adapted well. Haven't seen much of Arbeloa so I can't comment.

About the Prem's style of play suiting Raul better than it did to Morientes, it's probably true, but after playing so many years in the same league and for the same club, I wouldn't risk a big investment in that player.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rafa rate Raul highly.He will get an important role in Liverpool if Rafa signs him.With our new investors it will not be a big risk.If he don't settle, a Spanish club will buy him back to Spain.Football is all about risk.We just have to watch and see how he can settle.Striker position is the worst position to reinforce.Liverpool is an good example on that.They have struggle to find a striker- 20+goals in many years.

[Oliver_Kahn]

Good point about the investors. Now Liverpool can fight financially with the bigger clubs.

About finding good strikers, you are right. I have Bayern's example, they spent 10m € of Lukas Podolski and he hasn't been exactly great, even though he was rated by many as the next big thing. Returning to Liverpool, you signed Voronin, how do you rate him ?