Match Preview: Liverpool v Sevilla

The Reds will return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Sevilla at Anfield.

Liverpool held by Sevilla in Champions League opener

Liverpool began their Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Anfield on Wednesday.

Match Day: Liverpool 1-1 Burnley

Liverpool endured a frustrating afternoon at Anfield as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley on Saturday.

Goal Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Burnley

Liverpool is keen to make up for the frustration of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

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Showing posts with label barcelona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label barcelona. Show all posts

Monday, June 24, 2013

Liverpool’s fourth signing imminent

eljero-elia-von-werder-bremenLiverpool are on a spending spree. First, the Reds signed Kolo Toure on a free transfer. Luis Alberto checking in from Sevilla and Iago Aspas completed his move to Anfield yesterday.

Liverpool are ready to rekindle their long-standing interest in Eljero Elia.

According to TalkSport, Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers has set his attention to Elia, currently at Werder Bremen.

Liverpool's interest in the Dutchman dates back to his time at Hamburg but they missed out on him when he signed for Juventus.

Elia moved to Bremen in 2012 for £5million and Rodgers has tracked his progress - with a potential move now in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have yet to agree a deal with Sunderland to sign goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, according to the player's agent.

The two clubs had reportedly agreed a fee in excess of £11million for the Belgium international, who has won 13 caps for his country.

But the 25-year-old's representative, Guy Vandermissen, says he has still not been informed from either club that a deal has been done.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly agreed to meet the €10m (£8.5million) release clause written into Barcelona attacker Cristian Tello's contract but now must look to persuade the young Spaniard to move to Anfield according to Sport.es.

Barcelona may well be ready to sell a number of their squad players as Tito Vilanova eyes up the purchase of a central defender this summer, having already forked out £48m to sign Brazilian starlet Neymar.

However 21-year-old Tello is apparently leaning towards sticking with Barcelona for at least another season to see if he can force his way into a more prominent role in Vilanova's first team set-up.

The adaptable forward, who can play up front in an central striking role or out wide on either wing, was handed just 12 La Liga starts last term and only two starts in the Champions League but did manage to net eight goals in all competitions.

The arrival of Neymar is sure to leave Tello playing an even more limited role in Tito Vilanova's first team set-up with the locally born Barcelona player already having to challenge the likes of David Villa, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro for a spot supporting Lionel Messi in the Catalan giant's attack.

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

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Liverpool to tie up La Liga double raid

Cristian TelloLiverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has continued his search for a wide player since the departure of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy.

According to reports, Liverpool managing director has flown over to Spain to facilitate the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin and to complete a loan deal for Cristian Tello of Barcelona.

Tello, Spain youth international is out of contract at the end of next season and has been targeted by several clubs, including Valencia and Benfica.

Liverpool would have to pay around £7million to land the winger, who can operate on either flank in an attacking front three, taking his summer spending spree beyond the £30million mark following the arrivals of Fabio Borini and Joe Allen.

But it is understood the new Kop boss would be interested in a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent contract.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will rival the Gunners for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin with the Reds looking to capitalise on Rodgers' good relationship with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Real boss Jose Mourinho has given Sahin the green light to leave the Bernebeu after using the battling midfielder only sparingly as an auxiliary left-back during pre-season.

If Cristian Tello and Nuri Sahin moves are legitimate, what about Gaston Ramirez?

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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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Liverpool wants Barcelona playmaker

Ibrahim-AfellayLiverpool FC long-term transfer target and want-away Barcelona playmaker, Ibrahim Afellay could be donning the red shirt of Merseyside. But with the Catalan giants ready to accept offers in the region of £6 million, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle have all been alerted to the availability of Barcelona playmaker.

The midfielder was signed by Barcelona from PSV Eindhoven for a cut-price £2.3 million after he entered the last year of his contract with the Dutch side, and despite showing immense promise initially, an injury hampered his progress at the Spanish giants. After returning from injury, it is thought that he would be available for as little as £6 million, which is considered a bargain for a player of such a high quality.

Barcelona have put the 26-year-old up for sale and believe his starting berth for Holland at the Euro's will be a perfect platform to boost his price.

According to reports, not only will Afellay be available for purchase this summer, but he'll be available for a lot less than expected. This makes it crucial for the Reds to pursue him.

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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Monday, January 30, 2012

Liverpool making £15M bid for Barcelona defensive midfielder

Rumours suggest that Javier Mascherano is in Liverpool holding talks with officials regarding a sensational £15 million return to Anfield.

Liverpool are looking to boost their midfield rank in the second half of the season after the inspirational Lucas was ruled out for a year with a cruciate ligament injury.

Mascherano left Liverpool for Barcelona in 2010 for a £22 million. His career hasn’t really gone the way he had hoped, as a ball-winning central midfielder by trade but has not really been given a chance in that position due to the form of Sergio Busquest.

He is keen to get back playing regular first-team football again before his career comes to a close.

He still has a real love for Liverpool and dedicated that Champions League victory over United to the fans that had taken him to their hearts in a fruitful three year spell.

The Barcelona midfielder has a close association with Kia Joorabchian, who is also allegedly keen to get the Argentine back to England as he feel the style of football in Britain suits his player more than it does in Spain.

Liverpool have yet to confirm, or deny, the reports that Mascherano is in Merseyside to discuss a move but if this deal could be completed before Tuesday’s transfer window closes then it would be a huge signing for Liverpool as they look to climb back towards the Champions League qualification places in the Premier League.

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

Source: Footy Bunker

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Rumour Mill: Liverpool heighten up the chase for Lucas’ cover

Just two weeks away for the January transfer window to re-opens.

It has been revealed that Premier League giant Liverpool are eyeing Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The 26-year-old is one of a handful of players in the position to be linked with the Reds, as Kenny Dalglish considers his options following a season-ending injury picked up by Brazilian Lucas Leiva.

Seydou Keita, Cheick Tiote and Sandro have also been placed on the radar, but reports in The Independent claim Liverpool are plotting a loan move on the French international.

Diarra has Barclays Premier League experience from his time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth, whilst Tottenham Hotspur were also linked with a move for the player in the summer.

Liverpool also reportedly joining the chase for Newcastle’s £25million-rated ­midfielder Cheick Tiote.

Kenny Dalglish sent a scouting mission to St James’ Park yesterday as the Ivorian, 25, played his first game since October 22, against ­Swansea.

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

Source: Total Football Madness

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Chelsea to auctioned off ex-Liverpool striker for £20M

Andre Villas-Boas was reportedly thinking about sending the Spaniard out on loan to try and rebuild his confidence but has now decided the club should cut their losses on Torres and remove his £150,000 per week wages from their books.

Torres has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge for £50million from Liverpool at the end of January and has scored just three league goals in total.

The arrival of Juan Mata from Valencia looked like it would help as he scored against Manchester United and Swansea, although both games ended badly with an incredible open goal miss at Old Trafford followed by a red card against the Swans.

Two more goals followed in the Champions League tie against Genk but since then the most expensive signing in British history has found himself behind Didier Drogba and now Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order and he failed to make an appearance against Manchester City on Monday.

Despite Nicolas Anelka being set to leave for China and rumours that Drogba might not sign an extension to his contract which runs out at the end of this season, it appears that Torres’ unhappy spell in west London could soon be at an end.

David Villa’s rumour has resurfaced – Barcelona putting Villa “on the list” for January transfer window.

Which player you prefer Liverpool to sign in January?

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

Source: Goal.com

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Balague shed lights on David Villa

Liverpool target David Villa will not be leaving Barcelona insists Guillem Balague.

David-Villa Reports linking Liverpool with a shock move for Barcelona striker David Villa have been rubbished by SkySports' Spanish correspondent Guillem Balague, who took to his website to comment on the speculation.

According to Valencia-based paper Superdeporte, the 29-year-old Spaniard is unhappy at the Camp Nou because of the problems he is having playing alongside Lionel Messi.

   “It's important we put David Villa's circumstances at Barcelona into context.

“First of all, yes, I do believe that there is most definitely something to the notion that the footballing relationship between Messi and Villa is not quite as good as it could be.

“Villa hasn't been finding the back of the net as frequently as he has done in recent years. [But] at Barcelona, he is playing a very different role to that of a traditional number nine and he's sharing the attack with the best player in the world.

“The player knows he's at the club where he is most likely to win things and he has no intention of leaving.

“And even if he did, Villa has never been keen on leaving Spain.” – Balague on David Villa moving to Anfield.

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

Source: Give Me Football

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Rumour Mill: David Villa to Liverpool?

First the papers says Liverpool having a popped at Carlos Tevez, and now it’s David Villa’s turn. According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have made an initial enquiry about an audacious move for Barcelona striker.

Why suddenly Liverpool are looking to add more firepower upfront? The recent team performances in the league has lead to the media to suggest that the Reds forward-line which consist of Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy doesn’t provide enough firepower to Liverpool.

Spanish premier radio station Cadena SER has reported that the Spain's top marksman is rumoured to have had a bust-up with Lionel Messi and is said to be unhappy at the Nou Camp after the club hesitated on offering him a new contract following the signing of Alexis Sanchez in the summer.

But Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has denied that Villa and Messi have fallen out.

   “It is impossible to be an enemy of David, he is too nice a person.

“He is generous both in the way he plays football and also in his personal life. It is impossible not to get on well with him.”

Does Liverpool's recent home draws against Norwich and Swansea, enough to sanction such a panic? Dalglish may feel he needs more goals up front as he looks to re-establish the Reds in the Premier League's top four and with it qualification for the Champions League next season. But it’s the pressure on the manager to get Suarez and Carroll playing together could have leads to the Reds recent scoring droughts.

David Villa to Liverpool? And Barcelona won’t praised with its asset on the cheap – we are looking in the region on £33million price tag for the Spanish international striker. Although, John W. Henry and FSG would eager to invest on the playing squad but Dalglish need to sell before he can make that audacious move on Villa.

Let us know what are your thoughts on Villa moving to Anfield in the comment box below.

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

Source: TeamTalk

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Transfer Rumours: What the press have been up to?

It’s barely January 2012 yet. But it’s almost there, just about six weeks away until the transfer window reopens. Let’s us recapped this week news headlines on who’s in and who’ out of Anfield in January.

Liverpool wants Barcelona’s midfielder - Liverpool have made an enquiry about Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita. The Mali midfielder, 31, is out of contract in the summer and is also wanted by Anzhi Makhachkala. Liverpool have signed USA Under 17 captain Marc Pelosi from California-based side De Anza Force. (Mail Online)

Liverpool to wrestle with Juventus for Portugal defender - Liverpool are set to go up against Juventus in the battle to sign Portuguese international centre-back Bruno Alves, playing with Zenit Saint-Petersbourg. It has been reported that the 29 year old was Juventus bound, however it now appears, according to reports in Italy, that Juventus face strong opposition from Liverpool who are looking to add Alves experience to their defence. (FootyLatest.com)

Lucas invites his pal to join him at Anfield - Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has "invited" Polonia Warsaw playmaker Bruno Coutinho to join him at Anfield. (Crunch Sports)

Liverpool to swoop for Villa - Liverpool and Chelsea are both pursuing Barcelona striker David Villa, it has been sensationally claimed. The Spaniard has netted seven times in in 17 appearances for Barca this term and has frequently been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp. (Give Me Football)

Liverpool full-back on Real Madrid’s radar - Real Madrid are reportedly considering a shock loan offer for Liverpool defender Glen Johnson when the transfer window reopens in January. Real manager Jose Mourinho is thought to be in the market for a new full-back to provide competition for Alvaro Arbeloa and according to the People, has identified Johnson as a potential recruit. (Sportsvibe)

Liverpool making a shock move on City striker - Manchester City's controversial striker Carlos Tevez has emerged as a shock target for Liverpool who are hoping to land the player on a short term loan deal. (Caught Offside)

Bayern Munich monitoring Lucas Leiva - Bayern Munich are interested in Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. TMW says Lucas’ form for Kenny Dalglish’s team hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bayern chiefs, who have been active in the English transfer market this year. (TotalFootballMadness)

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

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Video: Messi moonwalking on PES 2012

One of the coolest things about PES 2012 is its animation system and a return to its PS2 roots.

An Easter egg in Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 allows players to perform Michael Jackson's famous moonwalk as one of their celebration moves. To make your players moonwalk, simply edit one of your players, head over to the movements screen and choose Celebration "91". Your player will perform the famous move whenever he scores a goal.

Source: GameRanx

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Friday, September 30, 2011

Rumour Mill: Liverpool to make Barcelona and Madrid stars bid

Gonzalo Higuain The January 2012 transfer window re-opens in three months time and already the rumour mills has been spinning off its wheels.

Source from Spain has reported that Liverpool FC will be making their moves on Barcelona’s David Villa and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain in January.

The report by Spanish radio station Cadena Ser claims that Liverpool is concerned at the lack of goals by their strikers this season and are preparing big bids to land the top-class striking duo in the January transfer window in order to push for a tilt at the title.

I’m not against this rumours but it doesn’t make sense to sign anymore strikers as the area of concerns right now is right and left fullback position. Kelly and Johnson are too injury-prone this season – hamstring injuries. While the Reds need another experience cover for Enrique on the left. Aurelio may not be as fit as he used to. While young Jack Robinson needs all the necessary experience to be ready for Premier League week in, week out.

I don’t see why spending another £60 million on the striking pairs in January will benefits Liverpool FC push for the Champions League spot? We have enough fire-power upfront this season. Giving the time, Andy Carroll will come good for Liverpool in the second half of the season.

Let’s just keep it as a rumours and don’t bashed me for this. Huguain look more likely to switch club in January rather than Villa. The Spaniard are currently in-form for Barcelona. Huguain has been struggling in Madrid as Benzema move ahead of him in the pecking order.

Anyway, Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli will have their homeworks prepared in time for the January transfer window.

Leave your comments in the box below.

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

Source: Clean Sheets All Around

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Video Prank by Liverpool Fans – Banner outside Fergie’s driveway

While Sir Alex was sleeping, a banner which mentions Liverpool’s 5 and Barcelona’s 4 European Cup wins was erected in his driveway.

Following Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday, Liverpool fans were quick to rub it in by leaving a banner outside the home of Sir Alex Ferguson which read “Champions 2011 – 4 times (Barcelona), Champions 2005 – 5 times (Liverpool). Loved it!

lfc 5x

Source: vozmediacouk and Empire of the Kop

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Friday, May 6, 2011

Liverpool plan €10m move for Barcelona winger

Sources state that Kenny Dalglish is keen on the Dutch international who has struggled to secure a spot in the Catalan club's starting eleven since his move to the Nou Camp in January.

Ibrahim Afellay 25-year-old wide man Afellay arrived at the La Liga champions for a nominal fee as his PSV Eindhoven contract was due to expire at the end of the season and has made just four league starts and has subsequently been linked with a summer exit.

Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli are drawing up a list of prospective targets as the club's owners prepare to fund significant moves in the transfer market. For some time now there has been talk of the need for more natural wide options as regular starters Maxi and Dirk Kuyt struggle to make a consistent impact.

Having signed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll at the tail end of the last transfer window, Liverpool are now looking to bring in natural width to help provide ammunition for their strike force. Afellay has however impressed in recent cameo roles, most notably during the Champions League Semi-Final with Real Madrid.

Barcelona are however reportedly heavily in debt and they could opt to cash in on a player who cost them just €3m (£2.6m) and will listen to offers of €10m (£8.7m) for the talented winger who can also play as an attacking midfielder or in the hole behind the striker.

Dalglish is reportedly happy to meet any reasonable valuation in order to land Ibrahim Afellay who may be keen on the chance to move to the Premier League especially if such a move helps secure regular first team football.

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

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, CaughtOffside

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Weekend Links: A view on English prospects in this season's Champions League, Wayne Rooney – Some role model, eh?, Wayne Rooney Saga, United held, Chelsea win, Giants suffer comprehensive defeats

Another round of weekend links from me. This week’s focus on “Looney” Rooney and fall of the titan in Spain. Want to have your post mentioned here? Find out more here.

 

A view on English prospects in this season's Champions League – 90 Minutes

English clubs are becoming more obsessed than ever about winning the Champions League. Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are on the road to try and claim their first win in this great competition whilst Manchester United are trying to reclaim it. [Read more…]

 

Wayne Rooney – Some role model, eh? – Football Corner

This is what Wayne Rooney had to say when asked about his position as a role model in the game back in March following the revelations surrounding John Terry’s private life. [Read more…]

 

Wayne Rooney Saga – Football News Blog

Wayne Rooney would have not been the first person to of used football to escape demons on his personal life. Rooney wanted to be professional and not let his personal life affect his work, any one who works can understand that you have to leave your problems at home. The problem is that while scoring on Tuesday night delighted a nation, his professional life will not affect his personal life, while his personal life could affect his professional life. [Read more…]

 

United held, Chelsea win – Prem League Live

Wayne Rooney was left at home as Manchester United threw away two points at Everton courtesy of Mikel Arteta's dramatic equaliser. [Read more…]

 

Giants suffer comprehensive defeats – Premiership Talk

Champions League favorites Barcelona and AC Milan did little to prove their credentials ahead of the midweek’s group stage openers when they both succumbed to 2-0 defeats against minnows Hercules and Cesena, respectively. [Read more…]

 

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Video: Javier Mascherano unveiled at Barcelona

Javier Mascherano has been unveiled at the Nou Camp after completing his transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona.

 

Javier Mascherano The Argentine midfielder passed a medical at the Nou Camp earlier today and has now put pen to paper on his new contract. 

Mascherano made 139 appearances and scored two goals for Liverpool during his three years at the club.

 

Adios, Javier.

Source: Telegraph UK

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

Mascherano set for move

Liverpool Football Club have agreed terms for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to FC Barcelona.

The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder.

The transfer appears to be nearing completion, with the Argentina captain now in the Catalan city to put the finishing touches to the deal.

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, Hodgson has been eager to end the uncertainty surrounding Mascherano's future.

More than a year after he first asked to leave the club , the 26 year-old is expected to travel to Barcelona this weekend for a medical before signing a four-year contract worth around £90,000 a week.

Adiós.

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Transfer rumours: Kuyt and Mascherano latest

Roy Hodgson has reiterated that Dik Kuyt is not for sale, insisting the Dutchman is a key part of his Liverpool plans.

It has been suggested in some quarters that the 30-year-old's future could lay elsewhere other than Anfield, but the manager was robust when answering questions from journalists about the forward's future.

   "We have not received any offer. Dirk Kuyt has not told me he wants to go.

"We don't want an offer and at this very late stage in transfer window it would be remarkably unusual for us to accept an offer for a player we don’t want to lose and for money we don't want.

"I need the player, I don't need money." Hodgson told a press conference in Turkey.

Hodgson continues to deny any knowledge of Kuyt wanting to leave despite suggestions by his agent that talks between the two clubs are continuing.

Meanwhile, Rob Jansen has claimed that the Dutch forward wants to leave the club and that talks are ongoing between Liverpool and Inter Milan, who former Reds boss Rafa Benitez departed for this summer.

Hodgson also revealed there have been no new developments in the future of Javier Mascherano, who continues to be linked with Barcelona.

The Argentina captain was left out of Monday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City by the boss and did not join the squad in travelling to Turkey today.

But Hodgson said he hoped there would be a conclusion one way or the other in the next few days and did not rule out selecting the Argentina captain for Sunday's Premier League match at home to West Brom.

   "As far as I know there have been no further developments since the last time I spoke to the press.

"The fact he's not here is, I guess, because the negotiations are on going between the clubs. If he played here tomorrow it might prejudice the transfer.

"I don't wish to do anything like that to the player. I don't wish to prejudice his transfer by forcing him onto the field in a game which might make it difficult.

"But I am seriously hoping things will be sorted out in the next couple of days one way or another. I have no idea which way that will be.

"Going into Sunday's game (against West Brom), I think I am entitled to have the player available for selection if he is going to continue to be a Liverpool player.

"Tomorrow night was never a question, but Sunday is very much a question because I think that by Sunday I should know whether he is going to play for Liverpool this season or Barcelona." Hodgson told a press conference in Turkey.

Hodgson also quashed the press’ speculations on the multitude of strikers linked with Liverpool in recent days such as David Trezeguet, Mario Gomez and Carlton Cole. He simply answered the press, “None of those players are likely to be playing for Liverpool this season.”

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Transfer rumours: Mascherano latest

Barcelona were understood to be renewing the bid for Javier Mascherano after the coach Pep Guardiola admitted that he wanted to sign a defensive midfielder. The comment comes in light of Mascherano's refusal to play for Liverpool at Manchester City.

The Catalan giants have now gone public on their interest, and the midfielder has openly expressed his desire to leave Anfield.

It has been reported that an initial bid of £12million, plus Alexander Hleb, was dismissed out of hand by Liverpool, but the first bid was closer to £18million - though that figure was still some way off Liverpool's £25million valuation.

Barcelona are prepared to offer Liverpool Alexander Hleb again plus Martin Cáceres in part exchange, to increase the bid beyond the current £25million. Pressure is building on the new president and sporting director from Guardiola to get the deal done.

Yaya Touré departure from Nou Camp on a similar price and having failed to secure the Arsenal captain they now have a vacant slot in central midfield that Guardiola believes has to be filled.

Barcelona may have one problem, though, with sources suggesting that a late bid from Internazionale should not be ruled out.

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

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Javier Mascherano omitted from the squad for the clash at Eastlands

Roy Hodgson has revealed that Javier Mascherano was not in 'the right frame of mind' to play in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.

The Reds midfielder was omitted from the squad for the clash at Eastlands after he was the subject of a bid from Barcelona.

   "Javier isn't in the right frame of mind at the moment to play.

"His head has obviously been turned by the offer from Barcelona but unfortunately, at the moment, the fee that the club thinks is the correct fee and the fee that is being offered is very far apart. Unless that can be resolved he might be unhappy for a long time to come.

"The discussions between Barcelona and the club are being held at high club level and as a result I don't want to say things that may or may not be true.

"I have got no wish to create headlines out of the Mascherano situation and it's not the first time that these things have happened.

"In fact, we have quite a lot of clubs at the moment suffering from players being courted by other clubs and players therefore being unhappy at being required to fulfil their contracts. It has happened to us now.

"This matter has developed over the last three days." Hodgson told his post match press conference.

Javier Mascherano Some reports circulating on Monday evening suggested the Catalan giants were offering only £12million for a player who cost Liverpool £18million 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.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Argentina midfielder wants a change of lifestyle

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano insists he has no problem with the club but just fancies a change of lifestyle. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his wish to leave Anfield, with Internazionale and Barcelona reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

   "The only thing I want to say is I don't have nothing against the Liverpool supporters, the Liverpool people. My problem is not to play for Liverpool. I'm very proud to play for Liverpool. It's another thing.

"I said to him [Roy Hodgson] that maybe for my life I prefer to change the country, not to change the club – that is the fact.

"Sometimes you can see all the things that the papers or the press say, but at the end the only thing I can say is thank you to everyone in Liverpool because they supported me all the time, from the beginning until now.” Mascherano told Sky Sports

The arrival of Christian Poulsen from Juventus, Mascherano departure is imminent but Liverpool won’t be letting him go on a cheap. Inter Milan seems to have backed down and claimed they are unable to meet the fee. Liverpool won’t be pressured to sell one of their prized asset any lesser than £25million.

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