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 craig bellamy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craig bellamy. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Cardiff wants Reds striker

Craig BellamyAs reported in yesterday’s Echo, the 32-year old Wales international, Craig Bellamy is being again linked with a return to his home-town club where he spent a season on loan back in 2010 when at Manchester City. Cardiff are considering a bid for the Liverpool striker, who spent the 2010-2011 season on loan with the Bluebirds.

Bellamy, began his career with Norwich City and established professionals Mackay and Roberts were among his Carrow Road team-mates.

Cardiff are understood to be working out the finances to re-sign Bellamy, who was captain during his season long loan spell.

Bellamy re-joined Liverpool on a two-year deal from Manchester City in August 2011.

The Championship club hope to discuss a proposed deal with Liverpool before any talks take place with the former Wales captain.

A loan move back to Cardiff could be an option, but appears unlikely.

But with former Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers in charge at Anfield now, Bellamy is set for talks to determine just what his role on Merseyside might be next campaign.

The striker was dissatisfied under former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish. He made 37 appearances for the Reds, but only 12 Premier League starts.

As Rodgers looks to improve on Liverpool’s eighth place finish last term what role Bellamy might have in his plans remains unclear.

The Welsh club's Malaysian owners recently announced a £100million investment plan as Cardiff, who have suffered three successive play-off disappointments, bid for Premier League promotion.

Cardiff’s rumour may appear to be true and will bid in the region of £2million for Bellamy when the players are back from their summer holidays.

Will Bellamy leave Anfield for Cardiff City?

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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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Goal Highlights: Wolverhampton 0-3 Liverpool

Liverpool recorded their first Barclays Premier League victory of 2012 with an emphatic 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday night.

After an end-to-end first half, Andy Carroll opened the scoring on 52 minutes when he turned Charlie Adam's cross home at the back post courtesy of a well-taken finish.

Craig Bellamy quickly doubled the Reds' lead when he found the back of the net with a low effort from the edge of the area for his ninth of the season so far.

Dirk Kuyt sealed the win with his 50th Liverpool league goal when he fired home from a tight angle following a quick-fire counter attack.

Liverpool continued to create chances as they dominated the closing stages, and although they were unable to find a fourth, the result was enough to move them into fifth place in the table.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Video Highlights: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City

Liverpool are through to the Carling Cup final after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Manchester City at Anfield on Wednesday night gave them a 3-2 aggregate victory.

It was no more than the Reds deserved for a lively performance and they can now look forward to contesting their first major final since 2007 against Cardiff City at Wembley in February.

With Liverpool leading 1-0 from the first leg, Nigel de Jong levelled the aggregate scoreline just after the half-hour mark when he found the back of the net from distance with the visitors' first real effort on goal following a dominant opening from the hosts.

But Liverpool went back ahead in the tie on 41 minutes when Steven Gerrard scored with a penalty after Micah Richards was adjudged to have blocked a Daniel Agger shot inside the box with his hand.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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Sunday, January 22, 2012

Video Highlights: Bolton 3-1 Liverpool

This was an arguably the worst away performances from Liverpool since the 4-nil defeat at Tottenham. For those who missed the match late yesterday evening, here the video highlight from the match for you.

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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Saturday, January 7, 2012

FA Cup: Liverpool 5-1 Oldham Athletic

Whoever were unable to watch the match live on TV can watch this goal highlights by sportnetworld at Videa.

The Latics made a plucky start to the contest and having gone close on several occasions, they opened the scoring in the 28th minute courtesy of Robbie Simpson's dipping volley from distance.

Liverpool comeback from behind to win this tie, goals from Bellamy and Gerrard’s penalty before half-time making sure the Reds are in the driving seat at half-time. In the second half, Liverpool pressed on with goals from Shelvey, Carroll and Downing to capped off a magnificent performance of the night.

* By pressing play on the video, you’ve agreed with the English FA rules and regulations on its broadcasting. This video is googled and for personal viewing only. Red's Fury™ does not host or upload this material and is not responsible for the content.

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Friday, January 6, 2012

LFC: Striker Needed

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

I watched the Liverpool match the other night against Manchester City and although I think they played well enough, they were seriously lacking as an attacking force. The ban on Suarez is going to be a real problem, and you could see that there was a lack of movement or options with Carroll playing a lone striking role.

I am not having a go at Andy Carroll, but if Liverpool want to play the big man up front I believe he needs a playing partner alongside him. Carroll doesn’t have the pace or movement to terrify defenders, so he needs some support, because he is good at holding the ball up and winning headers.

Liverpool have very few options in attack, they have Carroll who has struggled to score so far, Dirk Kuyt is another option, or Bellamy who has a lot of pace which could be their best option. The fit again Gerrard could play just behind a lone striker or Shelvey, who played this role against Aston Villa.

But the options are very few with or without Suarez and Liverpool should be looking to bring another striker in this January, because it is imperative that they finish in the top four this season or they could drift away from being a top four club as the gap could widen.

Liverpool are in a decent position in the League at the moment, within striking distance of the top four, but with a lack of firepower, this could be a serious problem for the rest of the season. To be fair, scoring goals has been a problem all season, with so many chances spurned from the Anfield side, but the problem will be greater, especially with the absence of the influential Suarez.

Out of the attackers Liverpool have at their disposal, Craig Bellamy has looked the most likely to score. Kuyt has been struggling to get a game and hasn’t scored all season after finishing top scorer last season and Andy Carroll has struggled to fit in to the Liverpool style of play. The team can’t depend on the superb defence to limit the opposition all the time as the attackers struggle to score.

January is historically a difficult month to bring new players in, but Liverpool should be scouring the planet for another striker, or this season could drift away after so much promise. We will just have to watch this space for the next month and hope Liverpool can bring a much needed striker in to bring success this season.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

Monday, January 2, 2012

Match Report: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United

By guest writer: Jamie McLaughlin

With the games coming thick and fast at this busy time of the year Liverpool were next to face a Newcastle side at Anfield who have had a great start to the season, but have started to struggle a bit in recent times. Liverpool went into the match trying to sort out their home form having drawn far too many for Dalglish’s liken. An added interest in this fixture is former Newcastle favourites’ Enrique and Andy Carroll facing their old team.

THE TEAM

Kenny made two changes to the side that drew with Blackburn on Boxing Day, with Bellamy and Spearing coming in for Maxi and the suspended Suarez. So all eyes were on Andy Carroll in the absence of Luis Suarez to find his goal scoring form against his old team. The defence was unchanged leaving Carragher once again on the bench with Adam and Spearing in the middle of midfield and Bellamy on the left and Downing playing once again on the right. Gerrard started on the bench as he looks to get his match fit.

THE MATCH

Liverpool started on the offensive and Adam miscued an early chance in the first couple of minutes. Then Agger made a surging run from defence only to drag his shot five yards wide. Liverpool kept up the pressure and Downing had the next chance with a near post drive but Krul was equal to it.

But Liverpool was stunned in the 25th minute when Taylor sent in a dangerous cross which was flicked on by Cabaye only to be diverted past Reina via Agger’s arm. It was a real shock to the home side who had been on the attack for most of the half.

But Liverpool responded quickly and drew level just 4 minutes later when Bellamy fired in a low drive after good work from Adam. The home side continued to press and Martin Skrtel almost made it two but he headed just wide from a corner.

The second half started with Liverpool struggling to get possession as Newcastle found their passing game. There was a feeling inside Anfield that this could be another one of these games that would end up in a draw. Dalglish brought on Gerrard with half an hour to go and he lifted the whole stadium. Suddenly Gerrard was orchestrating Liverpool. Gerrard sent over a superb cross from the right but Carroll just failed to connect and then Gerrard found Carroll inside the box with a superb pass but the big striker’s control let him down when clean through.

Then in the 67th minute Liverpool were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, Bellamy’s shot flew past Krul thanks to Carroll making a nuisance of himself in front of Krul, confusing Simpson and Krul. There was relief all around Anfield. But Newcastle almost equalized when Ba got behind the Liverpool defence, but his clipped effort was brilliantly cleared off the goal line by Skrtel who ended up in the net.

Next Gerrard whipped in a dangerous cross which Carroll headed off the crossbar, but Liverpool got their deserved third goal when a good move ended up with Gerrard bursting into the left side of the penalty area before slotting the ball underneath Krul from a tight angle sending the crowd wild in celebration. Liverpool saw out the rest of the match comfortably giving them a much needed home win.

SUMMARY

Great to see Bellamy come back into the side with Carroll up front in the absence of Suarez. I was very worried when we fell behind to a freakish goal as we were struggling to create many chances. Bellamy was superb and took his goals superbly. Jay Spearing was superb and lucky to have both legs intact after being on the end of a horrific tackle. But I felt this is the fewest chances we have created in a match and yet we scored three goals which is very pleasing. But the turning point was the introduction of Gerrard who produced so many quality crosses and passes and what a goal. Great credit to Skrtel who produced an amazing clearance off the line. Great to see us get a much needed win at home.

Man Of The Match – Bellamy – scored 2 goals and was dangerous all night, great energy and pace shown.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Video Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool Match Report

After getting back to winning ways last weekend in a 1-0 win over QPR, Liverpool were hoping to build on the win away to Aston Villa. Aston Villa had been struggling recently but they earned a good away win at Bolton last week and would go into the match with confidence. Adding spice to the fixture would be the return of former Villa favourite Downing to his old stomping ground.

THE TEAM

Kenny made a couple of changes to his side with Craig Bellamy coming back into the side and a big surprise with the selection of newly returned Shelvey to the team. The rest of the team had played against QPR the previous week. But Dalglish had a very strong bench to call upon if he needed to make changes with Carragher, Coates, Kuyt, Maxi, Carroll, Doni and Kelly in reserve.

THE MATCH

The home side were the first to threaten when Petrov’s free-kick had Reina scrambling. But Liverpool responded with Downing cutting in from the right before firing a shot which was saved by Guzan.

But then in the 11th minute Liverpool took the lead when Downing’s corner kick was flicked on by Shelvey and then by Suarez before being blocked by Guzan but the rebound fell kindly to Bellamy who made no mistake from inside the 6 yard box.

With Liverpool’s great start to the match it got better 4 minutes later when Bellamy’s corner from the right was brilliantly headed past Guzan by Skrtel for number two and left Villa with an uphill task.

Villa responded with a couple of long range efforts and a good effort from N’Zogbia who hit Reina’s side netting. But Liverpool were always threatening on the break and almost scored a third after Shelvey saw a stabbed effort saved after a sublime nutmeg by Suarez.

With the score 2-0 to the visitors at the half it was Liverpool who created the first chance of the second half when Agger headed a Bellamy cross off target. Liverpool was going for the jugular now and next it was Bellamy the creator for Suarez who smashed a shot off the Villa crossbar.

Liverpool were in full flow now and Villa were hanging on as the chances kept coming for the visitors. Next Johnson saw a 25 yard effort saved by Guzan. Then Suarez produced a piece of magic only to see his chipped effort hit the inside of Guzan’s post with the stopper stranded.

Villa never looked like getting back into the match as they rarely threatened in the second half with Reina left mostly as a spectator and Liverpool looking the more likely to add to their tally. Liverpool ended up having to settle for two goals in another superb away performance setting them up nicely for the festive fixtures.

SUMMARY

A big surprise with the inclusion of Shelvey to the side, but what a game he had, with confidence flowing through his veins. Liverpool got off to a great start with the two early goals setting them up to play on the counter attack, and how well they attacked with the amount of chances created. Villa did have a few efforts in the first half but in the second half it was one way traffic as Liverpool dominated. It was a great team effort away from home and the win should have been more convincing with Suarez hitting the woodwork twice.

Man Of The Match – Bellamy – his movement and work rate was superb and deserved a goal. He created so many chances with his clever play and he has proved to be a shrewd buy by Kenny.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

Monday, December 19, 2011

Liverpool edge closer to Champions League spot

Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel were both on target as Liverpool marked Kenny Dalglish's 350th match in charge with a superb 2-0 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

The Wales international got the Reds off to a flyer with a close range finish on 11 minutes before Skrtel doubled the advantage with a thumping header on the quarter of an hour mark.

It set the tone for a one-sided encounter in the Midlands and, although the away team could and should have secured a bigger margin of victory, the result moves them to within three points of third-placed Chelsea ahead of what promises to be a busy festive period.

Going into the Sunday afternoon showdown, Dalglish made two changes to the side that had edged past Queens Park Rangers last time out. Jonjo Shelvey came in for his first start of the season following an impressive loan spell at Blackpool, while Bellamy also returned to the line-up.

The Villans had been struck by a whole host of selection problems in the lead up to the contest - including the loss of joint-top scorers Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor - and hopes were high that the travelling Kop would return back up the M6 having seen the Reds claim victory on what was a landmark occasion for the King.

However, it was the home team that had the first sight of goal as Stiliyan Petrov teased a free-kick over the wall that had Pepe Reina scrambling down to his right-hand post inside 60 seconds.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Video Highlights: Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool

Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtel were both on target as Liverpool marked Kenny Dalglish's 350th match in charge with a superb 2-0 victory at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

 

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Video Highlights: Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City

Source: FootyTube

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Liverpool 1-1 Norwich City Match Report

Liverpool was hoping to put newly promoted Norwich to the sword in their quest for at least a top 4 place. Liverpool who drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend would be hoping to get back to winning ways against Paul Lambert’s charges. Norwich have impressed so far this season with their style of play, they have played an attractive attacking style with tremendous displays without reward at Chelsea and more recently at Old Trafford. Norwich go into the match on the back of great win against Swansea last weekend and will give them great confidence.

THE TEAM

Dalglish made two changes to the side that drew with Manchester United last week with Glen Johnson coming in for Kelly and Craig Bellamy replacing the suspended Lucas. A big night for Dirk Kuyt making his 250th appearance for Liverpool. Liverpool started with a very attacking line-up with Gerrard and Adam in the middle of midfield with Downing on the right and Bellamy on the left of midfield with Kuyt and Suarez up front. Andy Carroll had to be content with starting on the bench once again.

THE MATCH

Liverpool attacked from the start and almost took the lead inside two minutes when Skrtel headed off the bar from an Adam corner, then two minutes later Suarez made a brilliant turn before shooting wide.

Liverpool were dominating the early stages with Suarez and his brilliant best. Then in the 10th minute Bellamy made a great run down the left before crossing low to Suarez and his first time effort was tipped onto the post. Moments later Suarez tried a chip from outside the box but it floated over the bar.

The chances kept coming for Liverpool and another one went a begging when Suarez shot wide after being played in by Johnson. But Norwich showed the threat they had Morrison powered a header straight at Reina from a corner kick. Then moments later Norwich had another effort from long range saved by Reina.

Then on the half hour mark Kuyt had a header blocked from a corner. Liverpool continued to create chances as the half wore on, but just as it looked as Norwich would hold until half-time Liverpool took the lead after tussle for the ball involving Suarez broke to Bellamy who ran into the box before shooting past Ruddy via a deflection.

Norwich started the second half sharply and Pilkington was unlucky with a low shot bringing out a save from Reina. A minute later Kuyt couldn’t direct his header on target from a Downing cross as Liverpool responded.

A few minutes later a piece of brilliance on the edge of the box by Suarez left the Norwich defence bewildered but his shot was deflected onto the post as he cursed his luck. Liverpool was still threatening and Gerrard made one of his trademark runs into the box but he shot weakly.

But Norwich drew level on the hour mark when Adam lost possession looking for a foul and Pilkington’s dangerous was headed into the Liverpool by substitute Holt who beat Reina to the ball.

Shortly after Holt could have scored a second with another header but for a great reaction save from Reina. Norwich were certainly encouraged by the goal and Liverpool were struggling to find their first half fluency.

Dalglish brought on Henderson for Bellamy and Carroll for Downing in the latter stages to try and win the game but it wasn’t until stoppage time when the best chances came first a brilliant cross from Gerrard found the head of Carroll but his header went agonisingly wide from 6 yards out. Then with just about the last kick of the ball Suarez smashed a volley on target but Ruddy pulled off an amazing save to earn Norwich a point and leave Liverpool frustrated.

SUMMARY

I was expecting nothing less than a win here tonight as I feel we have to win these type of games if we are to challenge this season. I liked the look of the team Kenny selected as it had a very attacking look about it. We started on fire and could have been four up inside 20 minutes but couldn’t get one. I just had a bit of a feeling these missed chances could come back to haunt us and unfortunately it did. We had some great attacking play, especially from Downing and Bellamy on the flanks and Suarez was causing all sorts of problems, the only thing lacking from him was he couldn’t find the net. The referee didn’t give Suarez much as I felt he was constantly fouled, leaving the striker frustrated. We did lose a bad goal as Norwich posed more of a threat second half, with Reina getting caught out. But these things can happen. We were very unlucky right at the end with Carroll and then Suarez’s volley. I’m left very disappointed with the result as both Chelsea and Manchester United have struggled against Norwich this season but managed to win, where we failed to. But I’m very encouraged with the performance and the amount of chances we created and I’m sure the goals will come over a very long season.

Man Of The Match – Suarez – once again, unplayable at time, lost count of the number of attempts he had on goal, only a goal was missing from his night.

Written by Jamie McLaughlin, who writes for Anfield News

Friday, September 23, 2011

The Return of Craig Bellamy

I know its still pre-mature to judge him completely but the signs look good. A man of the match performance against BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION does absolutely no harm to his case.

So, What does Craig Bellamy possess? – Pace, agility, skill, movement. These are some of his noticeable attributes. Having observed his game for years now, he’s also laser-sharp in the box, a fox in the box, is a good finisher and can head too.

His failure at top-level clubs has intrigued me. His temperaments is definitely a flaw. Consistency has also proved to be his downfall.

Bellamy started as a 9 year old. He has made his way up the English league. A career that started at lowly Norwich City. He had spells at Coventry City, Celtic, was part of that successful Newcastle United team and flourished at Blackburn. It was his form for Rovers that convinced the Liverpool hierarchy to sign him. His initial form at Liverpool was good, fitting in well into the system.

Injuries have plagued Bellamy constantly throughout his career. Major injuries and a drop in form lead to few opportunities into his Liverpool career. What begun a promising start soon withered away.

Bellamy still managed 7 goals from 27 games. That is still decent in my books for someone who was left in the doldrums for most the season .

The sings were ominous, though and Bellamy was sold to West Ham. Following his departure, there was a general feeling among Liverpool fans that he was not given a fair chance.

Bellamy, the professional that is, continued his ways and let his football do the talking. Successful moves to West ham and Manchester City amplified the fact that Liverpool let go too easily.

When Bellers took the step down to move to Cardiff City, he raised more than a few eyebrows. But the move paid rich dividends as Liverpool came back calling for his services.

Much more of an accomplished player, now, Bellamy can operate as a winger,too. Bellamy along with Ryan Giggs have been one of the most influential players for Wales in the last decade.

At 32, he still has the same desire and hunger. It seems like he has not lost any pace. Bellamy looks like the ideal foil for Luis Suarez. Come the end of the season, Craig Bellamy could prove to be more than just the ‘back-up’ striker.

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

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Carling Cup: Brighton 1-2 Liverpool

Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt fired Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carling Cup as Brighton were dispatched 2-1 on Wednesday night.

The Reds became the first giant to visit the new Amex Stadium and came away worthy winners after Bellamy hit his 10th goal for the club early in the game and Kuyt finished the job late on.

The one blot came with minutes to spare as substitute Ashley Barnes smashed home a penalty.

A productive night for Kenny Dalglish was made even sweeter by the return of Steven Gerrard from injury.

Liverpool will now await Saturday's draw as their quest to reach the new Wembley for the first time continues.

The visiting teamsheet was most notable for a player not in the XI - our club captain being named among seven substitutes after six months in the treatment room.

As in round two, the starters were familiar names. Bellamy, Kuyt, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher, Lucas Leiva and Pepe Reina were all on duty, while Uruguayan new boy Sebastian Coates was granted a full debut after a substitute appearance at White Hart Lane.

Read more: Liverpool FC Official

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Liverpool complete transfer deadline day clear-out

Liverpool concluded a productive transfer window with a late surprise when they accepted Chelsea's £12million offer for the Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles.

Raul Meireles The Anfield club delivered on all of their targets for deadline day, shifting Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, David Ngog and Philipp Degen and re-signing Craig Bellamy after the Wales international was granted a free transfer by Manchester City. While Meireles never fell into the unwanted category under Kenny Dalglish, and Liverpool had been reluctant to trade with Chelsea, they were open to offers that would allow them to recoup the £11.8million paid to Porto for the 28-year-old.

Ultimately, the only bid that came close to Liverpool's valuation was Chelsea's second offer for Meireles. Liverpool had rejected a deal of £7million plus Yossi Benayoun last week and made it clear to the midfielder that he would have to submit a transfer request if he wished to be reunited with André Villas-Boas, who managed him for three weeks at Porto last summer.

Meireles submitted a request as the 11pm deadline approached after Chelsea, thwarted in their pursuits of Luka Modric and Alvaro Pereira, agreed to meet Liverpool's valuation. He has signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, having been due an improved contract at Liverpool.

Liverpool's business also involved looking ahead to next summer. They agreed to pay 60% of Cole's wages during his season at Lille in an attempt to obtain first refusal on the Belgium international, Eden Hazard, should the French club elect to sell their coveted midfielder. That request was rejected by Lille, although Liverpool retain hope that their £3million costs for Cole over the next 12 months will deliver an advantage in any future talks for Hazard.

Cole agreed to join the French club despite late interest from Aston Villa, having made only nine starts in the Premier League last season. Fenway Sports Group, which inherited the 29-year-old's £100,000-a-week contract, was keen to offload the midfielder but struggled to find a suitor. Through the director of football Damien Comolli, Liverpool had used Lille's interest in Cole as a means to try to steal a march on their rivals for Hazard.

Liverpool inquired about Lille's attacking midfielder earlier in the summer and, along with Arsenal and several European clubs, were informed that the 20-year-old was not for sale. But Lille's stance on Hazard may change at the end of this season, prompting Liverpool to offer generous loan terms on Cole.

Lille can offer Cole Champions League football this season and are believed to be relaxed about the England international commuting to and from London. His exit was part of a successful clear-out of expensive transfer mistakes by Liverpool, who have also offloaded Milan Jovanovic to Anderlecht, Alberto Aquilani, on loan to Milan, and Poulsen to Evian. The Denmark international, who cost an initial £4.5million from Juventus last summer, made only 21 appearances for Liverpool and has joined the French club on a permanent transfer.

Bellamy has signed a two-year contract with Liverpool, having negotiated his release from City. The 32-year-old, who played for Liverpool for one season under Rafael Benítez in 2006-07, had two years left on a £95,000-a-week contract and his refusal to accept reduced terms had deterred several Premier League clubs this summer, plus Celtic, another of his former employers.

Liverpool, however, have offered similar personal terms after he successfully completed a medical on Merseyside last night.

The Anfield club also completed the signing of the United States under-18 striker Villyan Bijev from California Odyssey after the teenager impressed on trial at the academy. Bijev does not have a work permit and so has joined the German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on loan with immediate effect. They also cancelled Degen's contract by mutual consent and sold Ngog to Bolton for a fee of around £4million.

Liverpool – The complete summer 2011 transfer lists:

IN

Stewart Downing (Liverpool, £20m)

Jordan Henderson (Sunderland, £16m)

Charlie Adam (£9m)

Jose Enrique (Newcastle, £6m)

Alexander Doni (Roma, free)

Sebastian Coates (Nacional, undisclosed)

Craig Bellamy (Manchester City, free)

Villyan Bijev (California Odyssey, undisclosed)

Total summer spending: £51 million + undisclosed fees *

 

OUT

Joe Cole (Lille, loan)

Christian Poulsen (Evian, undisclosed)

Alberto Aquilani (AC Milan, loan)

Paul Konchesky (Leicester, £1.5m)

Emiliano Insua (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed)

Daniel Ayala (Norwich, undisclosed)

Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht, free)

Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Wolfsburg, free)

Tom Ince (Blackpool, free)

Stephen Darby (Rochdale, loan)

Daniel Pacheco (Atletico Madrid, loan)

David Ngog (Bolton, £4m)

Raul Meireles (Chelsea, £12m)

Villyan Bijev (Fortuna Dusseldorf, loan)

Philipp Degen (released)

Nabil El-Zhar (Levante, free)

Chris Mavinga (Rennes, £1m)

Gerardo Bruna (Blackpool, free)

Total summer recouped: £18.5 million + undisclosed fees *

* Transfer fees are just speculation figures gathered in the press, actual amount may not be accurate as displayed

Source: Guardian

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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Bellamy for Italian job?

Craig Bellamy has been offered an unexpected chance to play in Italy after Juventus and Roma entered the market for the controversial Liverpool forward.

The Wales captain is expected to leave Anfield this summer, having struggled to adapt to Rafael Benitez's rotation policy during his debut season at the club. He represents a profitable asset for a Liverpool manager seeking to maximise his transfer budget.


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