Rumour Mill: Liverpool eye Arsenal winger

The summer Anfield clearance has begun! With the latest signing of Fabio Borini and the departure of Maxi Rodriguez, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has started to reshuffles his playing squad.

Andy Carroll has been subject to many speculation after Rodgers has admitted that the England international striker could leave on a season-long loan with a permanent deal at the end of 12-months. Although Liverpool has rejected Newcastle bid earlier for Carroll. AC Milan and West Ham United are still interested on signing the big striker on a season-long loan deal.

News on Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost completing his move to Paris St. Germain from AC Milan has boosted the chance of Carroll moving in the opposition direction.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea in the hunt for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Walcott has just a year to run on his contract with the Gunners and could follow Robin van Persie's lead by seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium if the club does not boost his wages to £100,000 per week.

Rodgers will be pondering a £15million move and could use money from any sale of Andy Carroll to pay for the deal.

As a pacy winger with an eye for goal, Walcott would fit seamlessly into Rodgers' preferred playing style.

Target-man Carroll, however, may find opportunities under Rodgers more limited.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep Walcott, especially with Robin van Persie refusing to sign a new deal but some members of Emirates board would be prepared to cash in now.

Will Theo Walcott move to Anfield?

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Liverpool: Carroll out, Borini in?

Andy Carroll’s days at Anfield are numbered. According to reports, Italian giant AC Milan are interested to take Liverpool’s England international striker to San Siro on a loan deal. However, Carroll remained unfazed by the interest as he relaxed by the pool enjoying his extended holidays following England’s quarter-final in Euro 2012.

West Ham are set to launch an ambitious bid for England striker Andy Carroll.

Sam Allardyce wants to make a marquee signing ahead of his club’s return to the Barclays Premier League and West Ham’s owners are prepared to break their budget for the Liverpool No 9.

West Ham are proposing an initial loan with a view to buying Carroll for around £15million. That would represent a huge loss for Liverpool, who signed the forward for £35m in January 2011.

But Carroll is facing an uncertain future at Anfield after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to  dismiss the idea he could leave on loan.

Significantly, Rodgers would not give any assurances about Carroll’s future when presented with the opportunity on Monday and a switch to Upton Park could prove enticing.

Allardyce’s style of play would suit Carroll, while he would also link up with close friend and former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan.

Rodgers is expected to make Fabio Borini his first signing in a £10m deal after Roma confirmed Liverpool’s interest. The new Kop boss is just as keen on tying down Luis Suarez, whose deal runs to June 2016.

Roma striker Borini is 'seriously considering' the opportunity to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

The Serie A club's sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the Anfield outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Borini well, having worked with him during their time together at Chelsea and again during a loan spell with Swansea.

Borini netted nine goals in 24 appearances in the league for Roma last season and earned a place in Italy's Euro 2012 squad, although he did not feature during their run to the final.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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Aquilani completes move to AC Milan

Alberto Aquilani has completed his loan transfer from Liverpool to AC Milan.

The deal, which includes the option of a permanent move, will end on June 30, 2012.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Juventus before returning to Anfield earlier this summer.

Milan had been looking to reinforce their midfield line following the departure of veteran Andrea Pirlo to Juventus earlier this summer.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv earlier about the move, Kenny Dalglish said: "It's a great move for Alberto. He's got his wife and kid over there. It was difficult for him here.

"When he came back his pre-season training was excellent. We gave him a few games, he did well in those games. But the problem for us was trying to get him in the team. We couldn't get him in the team.

"Obviously everybody wants to play and Alberto is moving over to a fantastic football club. He goes there with the best wishes of everyone and we hope it works out for him, because he was never a problem in any way, shape or form."

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Source: Liverpool FC Official

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Liverpool midfielder loaned back to Italy

Liverpool FC have reached an agreement, subject to a medical, for Alberto Aquilani to join AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the current season. The deal includes an option to make the move a permanent one.

The 27-year-old underwent a medical in Milan this morning and is set to join the Italian side on an initial loan deal.

Milan will have an option to make the move permanent if the former Roma playmaker makes at least 25 appearances this season.

Aquilani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus before returning to Anfield earlier this summer, is under contract with Liverpool until June 2014.

   “I am delighted to have arrived here. This is a leap in my career.”

“I have come to Milan to do well.

“I have different characteristics to (former AC Milan midfielder) Andrea Pirlo but this is a further responsibility for me.

“I believe I can play in all positions in midfield.

“The clause of making at least 25 appearances? It's not a problem for me and I'm not thinking about it.

“I will do everything possible to earn the trust of the club.” said Aquilani.

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Source: Liverpool FC Official, The Independent

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Alberto Aquilani - The Italian Flop?

Xabi Alonso signed for Liverpool in 2004 . Since his arrival, he established himself as a Liverpool mainstay.

Combining technical ability with a wide array of passes, Xabi Alonso won over the Liverpool faithful . Alonso was one of the best players during the Benitez regime.

He was also instrumental in Liverpool winning the European Cup and the FA Cup . Considering the success, it came as a shock that Liverpool were planning to cash in on him.

Since his unceremonious departure to Real Madrid ,a massive void was created in the Liverpool midfield. His role has been hard to fill. And, an Alonso-mould midfielder was the necessity at Anfield.

Alberto Aquilani was much touted across Europe for his performances for Roma and the Italian national side. Aquilani, like Alonso is gifted with immense technical ability. He began his career at Roma and after a brief spell at Triestina returned to Roma.

Aquilani can play in various positions. He can play holding midfielder, attacking midfielder or in the hole behind the strikers. Aquilani's versatility makes him an essential squad player.

Aquilani's early potential was recognised by Chelsea and Arsenal who offered him contracts aged 16. But Aquilani chose to stay in his beloved homeland and represent Roma.

He made his Roma debut at the age of 18. Aquilani impressed everyone at the Stadio Olympico and was given the coveted No. 8 jersey. Aquilani quickly adjusted himself in the heart of the Roman midfield.

He formed a formidable partnership with Danielle De Rossi. Aquilani was consistent for both club and country. Marcelo Lippi heralded him one of Italy's finest midfielders.

Rafa Benitez was looking to replace Xabi Alonso with a player of similar stature.

Alberto Aquilani was signed in 2009 for reported fee of £17million. The signing was criticized because Aquilani had suffered a thigh injury and was ineligible to play for Liverpool until fully fit.

Alberto Aquilani made his much-anticipated debut almost a year later after constantly battling injuries. His start was indifferent failing to mould into the Liverpool setup.

The constant change of management also did not help his cause. Aquilani was trying too hard to impress the Anfield faithful, failing to capitalise on his major strengths that are long-range shooting and long-range passing.

Aquilani was constantly playing too close to the strikers and making dashing runs into the box with no joy.

Towards the end of the season, he did find his feet and put in decent performances but the jury was still out on his form and fitness.

A return to Juventus was on the cards. At Juventus, Aquilani finally justified his high-potential. Along with scoring 2 goals, Aquilani was their main playmaker and impressed everyone at the Delle Alpi .

Juventus failed to meet Liverpool's requirements for him and so he returned to Anfield.

Alberto Aquilani was Liverpool best player in pre-season raising more than a few eyebrows in Merseyside.

However, Liverpool still remain unconvinced of his true value to the club.

Kenny Dalglish has indirectly stated that Aquilani does not feature in his Liverpool plans.

AC Milan have shown a genuine interest in the midfielder to replace their talisman Andrea Pirlo. If reports are to be believed then they seem destined to sign him this week.

Good riddance for a player who has failed to live up to expectations but deserves another platform to showcase his undoubted talent.

Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.

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Liverpool playmaker on the move again

One Liverpool FC midfielder’s name has been dominating the headlines this summer. With host of Italian Serie A clubs vying for his service, Alberto Aquilani may ends up at AC Milan at the end of the month.

The Italy international midfielder was left out of the Reds’ 18-man squad for Saturday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal and appears to be surplus to requirements at Anfield.

Aquilani’s future has been the subject of intense speculation all summer after his season-long loan spell with Juventus ended.

They opted not to take up their option to buy him and then Aquilani turned down the chance to join Fiorentina on loan.

Aquilani, who cost Liverpool £17million from Roma in 2009, has made it clear if he leaves the Reds again it will be on a permanent basis.

And it now looks like AC Milan are ready to offer him a return to his homeland, although a fee with Liverpool has not yet been agreed.

   “I am close to joining Milan,” Aquilani said.

Aquilani looks set to finalise a loan move to Italian side AC Milan, with a view to the move becoming permanent for £5million next summer.

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Source: Liverpool Echo

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Should he stay or should he go?

I ran a public poll last week with the title: “Should Alberto Aquilani remained at Liverpool FC?” and accumulated 98 votes on it. Many still thinks Aquilani deserves another shot at Anfield.

Yesterday match against Valerenga which ended in a 3-3 draw in Oslo and the Italian international played a major part in Liverpool coming from behind to drew level at 2-2 in the second half.

The press has linked him back to Italy, with Fiorentina and AC Milan waiting on the wing to sign the Liverpool playmaker on a season loan.

Kenny Dalglish has refused to rule the 27-year-old out of his plans on Merseyside, but with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam joining Steven Gerrard, Lucas and Jay Spearing at Liverpool this summer, the exit door could be open for Aquilani.

Milan have been linked with a summer swoop for the Italy international. While Galliani insists there are no plans at the moment to try and bring in Aquilani, he admits the 27-year-old is the type of player they are targeting.

   “Currently we are not looking for him, but we could speak of it,”

“He's a midfielder with the characteristics that we are looking for so, like with other players in his role, he could be of interest.”

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Sky Sports

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Aquilani to Milan?

Alberto Aquilani's agent believes the Liverpool midfielder's future could be decided in the next 24 hours.

The Italian midfielder has spent this season on loan at Juventus, but the Turin giants failed to exercise their first buy-out option to sign the player on a permanent basis, which expired last month.

Juventus have been looking to reduce the fee agreed between the clubs at the beginning of the loan deal, putting into doubt a permanent switch to Turin.

Aquilani's representative, Franco Zavaglia, expects Juventus to make a decision on the former Roma man in the next 24 hours with AC Milan waiting in the wings for the 26-year-old.

"All season Juventus have always given me the necessary guarantees that they want to keep Alberto," Zavaglia told Tutto Juve.

"The next 24 hours will be decisive. Any eventual economic agreements will follow after Juventus make their decision."

Zavaglia admits Aquilani would be interested in a possible move to Serie A champions Milan if the Juve deals falls through.

"Who wouldn't like to play for Milan? Milan are a model club," added Zavaglia.

"If Juventus can't do a deal for Alberto and he has to return to Liverpool, then Milan would certainly be a destination that he would accept."

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

Source: Sky Sports

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Transfer rumours: Ronaldinho, Suarez and Johnson

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insists there is no truth in the rumours linking AC Milan star Ronaldinho with a move to Anfield.

Hodgson denied speculation linking both Ronaldinho and Ajax captain Luis Suarez, and although he admitted he was a long-term admirer of Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, he insisted there had been no communication between the clubs.

It has been suggested Liverpool would be willing to listen to offers for Johnson with the England international believed to be unsettled on Merseyside but Hodgson denied claims Glen Johnson would be offloaded in January, and insisted the new owners were looking to build the team long-term, and the club would spend sensibly.

The likes of Tottenham, Juventus and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the former Portsmouth man, but Hodgson insists the full-back is going nowhere.

Hodgson revealed there were also plans to award midfielder Lucas Leiva a new contract.

   "A couple of weeks ago, Damien Comolli mentioned to me about him wanting to get in touch with Lucas's agent to discuss a new contract, but I can't quite frankly remember where we are,"

"Certainly if you ask me the question 'Is Lucas welcome at the club and would we like to keep him?' then the answer is a resounding 'yes'." – said Roy Hodgson.

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Ronaldinho to Liverpool?

Seven years after Manchester United nearly signed him, Ronaldinho could be on his way to the Premier League.

According to ItaSportPress, Roy Hodgson is planning to swoop the former World Player of the Year from the San Siro on a free transfer - given that he is buried behind Pato, Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on AC Milan's roster.

His $10million (£6.3million) annum wage demand, however, may be too much for Liverpool to pay for a player so far past his prime. The 30-year-old has also been linked with moves back to Brazil or to the Los Angeles Galaxy - not indications that he is serious about playing his best football.

Ronaldinho aside, Damien Comolli believes that the economic difficulties facing Europe will create a buyers market come January.

Would Ronaldinho be a good signing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Weekend Links - The Redmen- Stupid Dubbing-Dani Pacheco, Liverpool ready to make £8million move for England midfielder, Big bucks City : Not Signing Quality, Thierry Henry receives awkward New York welcome, Chamakh and Pato on target

Time for another round of weekend links from me. Here are the compilation of this week news and video from my link partners. Have a great weekend.

 

The Redmen- Stupid Dubbing-Dani Pacheco – The Empire of the Kop

Liverpool ready to make £8million move for England midfielder – Football Corner

Big bucks City : Not Signing Quality – Football News Blog

Thierry Henry receives awkward New York welcome – The Sport Review

Chamakh and Pato on target – Premiership Talk

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Milan add Eto'o into their shopping cart

Milan, the current European champions confirmed that they'll bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o this summer. Rumours circulating in England on Eto'o linked to the Premiership big guns has prompted the Rossoneri chief, Adriano Galliani make a bid on him when Spanish season is over on 17th June.

"He's a player that appeals to both myself and our coach Carlo Ancelotti."

Milan fails to land Andriy Shevchenko after the player insisted on staying at Stamford Bridge next season. This leaving Milan to look else where for a striker to boost their aging squad. Milan are looking to beef up their attack with Samuel Eto'o and to partner Brazilian ace Ronaldo.

This rings bad news for Liverpool, if the rumours are true that Eto'o was on Rafa Benitez's top transfer target then Rafa will need to face competitions from Milan. But the player has dismissed that he was wanted by Liverpool and he wants to stay with the Catalans giant.

Now we have to wait and see who's coming in next week as Rafa is busy getting his current squad sorted out with new contracts being awarded to Stevie G (MBE), Carragher, Pepe Reina and Alonso which all the players had pledged their future to the club. Momo Sissoko will be the next player to be offer with an extension.


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