Liverpool midfielder at risk of summer clearance

Liverpool FC completed the signing of Charlie Adam from Blackpool late Thursday evening. Adam becomes Liverpool’s second signings this summer.

While Liverpool has added two new central midfielders in their roster, clearly someone has to go. Raul Meireles is the midfielder most vulnerable as Liverpool stockpile central midfielders.

Technically Meireles was excellent. But aggressively he was lacking. Based on last season he won 38 tackles and lost 20. And in the English Premier League that’s not good enough.

Charlie Adam isn’t renowned for his tackling. But Adam still won 162 tackles last term.

Meireles is also 28-years-old – and demanding improved terms on his contract.

Italian giants, Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly monitoring Meireles’ situation at Anfield closely. Liverpool failure to strike a deal with Juventus for Alberto Aquilani after a season loan has increased the possibility of Meireles’ exit.

Even though, Meireles has a good first season with Liverpool, he looks the most likely to make way in the great Anfield shake up this summer.

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

Source: Liverpool Echo

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Inter bid £14M for Liverpool midfielder

Italian giant’s Inter Milan are vying for the services of Liverpool’s Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles in possible £14million swoop.

Meireles, 28, eventually enjoyed a successful first season in the premier league after a slow start. Helping Dalglish’s men gain a credible Premiership spot after a troubled spell under Roy Hodgson.

Despite only being at Anfield for a year, Meireles was voted PFA fans player of the year. The creative hub of Liverpool’s midfield play during Gerrard’s considerable lay off now faces stiff competition for his place. With the signing of England prospect Jordan Henderson and the potential transfer of Charlie Adam from Blackpool, the former FC Porto player’s starting place is by no mean assured.

Inter failed to replicate the scintillating form shown under Mourinho during their Treble winning campaign last time out. The faults which have haunted the side throughout the season were on show in the 5-2 capitulation at the hands of Schalke in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final.

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

Source: Transfer Tavern

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Hodgson unfazed by Benitez availability

Benítez left Liverpool at the end of the season to take over at Inter Milan, but has been dismissed from the Italian club following a disappointing run in the domestic league and in Europe.

Roy Hodgson, however, suggested that logic would dictate that Liverpool would never have let Benítez go only to re-employ the Spaniard six months later.

Liverpool recorded a poor first half to the season, going into the Christmas period in ninth place, well behind their rivals of recent seasons Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, Hodgson said there was no reason why his side could not push to break into the coveted top four, which would ensure Champions League football next season.

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Benitez takes a swipe at Hogdson

Rafael Benítez has launched a withering attack on Roy Hodgson, telling him to stop complaining about what he inherited from him at Liverpool and suggesting Hodgson does not fully understand the intricacies of life at Anfield.

Hodgson, who has suffered a difficult start to his tenure and the job of succeeding the popular Benítez, has aimed a series of recent barbs in the Spaniard's direction bemoaning the size of the rebuilding job that faced him, claiming the squad lacks quality in depth and features other "people's left-over's". He also tried to claim that he has got Kenny Dalglish truly back on board at the club, whereas the legendary former player and manager was marginalised under Benítez. This last claim has particularly irked his predecessor.

Inter play Spurs at White Hart Lane on Tuesday in a Champions League Group A match, having beaten Harry Redknapp's side 4-3 in the San Siro a fortnight ago.

Prior to that match, Benitez criticised Liverpool's former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett as well as former managing director Christian Purslow.

And describing his departure from Anfield last summer, he said: "We have a saying in Spanish: 'White liquid in a bottle has to be milk.'

   "I think that Mr Hodgson, he doesn't understand," said Benitez. "Every single press conference is even worse than the last one. He's talking about things that he doesn't know. And some people cannot see a priest on a mountain of sugar.

"Maybe he hasn't been in Liverpool too long. We gave the fans their pride - again. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players. So maybe he cannot understand this.

"With £10m net spending, I left that squad with £300m value, 13 internationals.

"So, instead of talking about flips and flops, he has to concentrate on his job, try to do his best and not talk about the level of his players or the new players.

"Concentrate, try to do your best because it will be the best for the club and it will be the best for the fans." – Rafa Benitez

Responding to Hodgson's accusations that Benitez had banned Kenny Dalglish from Liverpool's Melwood training ground during his time in charge, the Spaniard said: "I brought back Kenny Dalglish to do a role in the club and Christian Purslow gave him another role."

Video source: Sky Sports

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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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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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Liverpool to sign £4million Denmark midfielder

Though the Reds are awaiting the next move from Inter Milan in their pursuit of Javier Mascherano, they pressing on with plans for life without the Argentinean.

Once Inter strike a deal with Manchester City for the sale of Mario Balotelli, they will be better placed to push through their bid to take Mascherano to the San Siro.

The Reds are looking at a number of options to replace Mascherano and Poulsen, the Denmark international, and Standard Liege's Steven Defour head Roy Hodgson's list.

Although, Defour may be looks more ideal for Liverpool switch, with Manchester United high on his heels. The Reds boss, Roy Hodgson may not want to waste his time in a bidding war with a rival club.

Liverpool should complete a £4million deal for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen soon. Hodgson has confirmed his interest in the player and an Liverpool representative was in Turin on Tuesday to discuss the move.

Juventus technical director Giuseppe Marotta confirmed Liverpool’s interest in the Danish midfielder last week. Poulsen is an experienced player with over 70 caps for his country.

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

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Javier Mascherano want to leave Anfield

Roy Hodgson has today revealed that Javier Mascherano has expressed a desire to leave Liverpool - but insists the Argentina captain will remain at Anfield until the Reds receive a suitable offer.

Mascherano is believed to have been unsettled at Anfield for some time but on Monday made his position clear to Hodgson when meeting the new manager upon his return to the club.

Inter Milan, the European champions, are likely to lodge a £25million offer once the sale of Mario Balotelli to Manchester City is complete. Inter opened discussions with Liverpool about the player last week and Mascherano's decision to tell Hodgson of his intentions is likely to speed a deal through.

Hodgson had failed to hold talks over the phone with the former West Ham player while he was on holiday with his family in Miami, revealing he had left a voicemail message but received no response.

   "He wants to leave the club,"

"He's made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year ago and he wants to leave now. But he's contracted to Liverpool Football Club, so whether he leaves or not is our decision. At the moment he's a Liverpool player and I will continue to treat him as such until a day arrives when he no longer is.

"The mere fact that the player is a little bit unhappy with his situation and would prefer to leave doesn't necessarily mean he will leave.

"It disappoints me but it's not unusual. In every football club in the Barclays Premier League - and in the world - there will be players that would prefer to leave their team. Some are allowed to, some aren't.

"So that's the situation. Mascherano is a Liverpool player, he has a two year contract and I expect him to honour that until the day comes when the club decides to accept an offer for his services." Hodgson told an Anfield press conference.

Mascherano had wished to leave Liverpool last summer, hoping to be the subject of a bid from Barcelona, but Benitez's refusal to countenance losing both the Argentine and Xabi Alonso in the same summer precluded any deal.

He had seemed set to stay at Anfield earlier this year, opening discussions over a new, £100,000-a-week contract, but talks stalled in May and the departure of Benítez seemed to seal his own exit.

No bid, though, will be formally made until Inter are sure of the funds from the sale of Balotelli, likely to be finalised this week, meaning the saga over the player's future may yet drag on into next month.

Sources: www.liverpoolfc.tv, ESPN Soccernet, Telegraph UK

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Transfer rumours: Poulsen to Liverpool?

The most likely departure for Liverpool will be Javier Mascherano to Inter Milan. Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen is in the sights of Liverpool.

Despite widespread speculation that Mascherano is ready to rejoin his former manager, Rafael Benitez, at Inter, Liverpool are adamant that there has been no formal contact with the European champions and deny that any talks have taken place over his future.

Liverpool do have a fall-back position if and when Mascherano leaves, with Poulsen the likeliest candidate to replace him as a defensive midfielder. Poulsen has been a long-term target for Liverpool and was linked with a move to Anfield last summer before Benitez opted to sign injury-prone Alberto Aquilani.

Although the Dane's agent, Joern Bonnessen, has said the midfielder wants to stay with Juventus, he is unlikely to feature much this season and Liverpool could secure his services for around £6million – the fee the Turin club agreed with Fenerbahce last June only for Poulsen to reject the deal when he was unable to agree personal terms.

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

Sources: Goal.com, Tribalfootball

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Another Argentine player could be on the way out of Anfield

Speculation are mounting on the possibility for Javier Mascherano to follow Emiliano Insua out of Anfield before the new season kick-off. In the latest interview with Reds boss, Roy Hodgson says he is yet to speak to midfielder Javier Mascherano, and has struggled to reach the Argentine.

Mascherano has been heavily linked with a big money summer move to Inter Milan, prompting Hodgson to be keen to talk about his future at Anfield.

   “I have tried to contact Javier,”

“I have left him voice messages and sent him texts but had no reply. To be fair to him, that’s not unusual because he’s had a tough World Cup and I believe he’s gone back to Argentina.

“It’s not always easy to get in touch with people. I have tried to reach him to make clear I am happy to talk with him at his convenience.” Roy Hodgson speaking to the press

Inter chief Massimo Moratti says the club definitely have the Argentine international on their wish list.

   “Mascherano? I know he has always played well, he has a strong character, is a smart guy,”

“We have so many players in that role good and intelligent. We’ll see if he can help us in terms of technical tactics.” Moratti told Sky Italia.

Earlier in the press, they suggested that Liverpool have reportedly agreed a fee of £5million to sell Argentine left-back Emiliano Insua to Italian side Fiorentina.

Sources:  Telegraph UK, Sky Sports

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Watch Torres breaks Inter's heart

Champions League Last 16, 2nd Leg @ San Siro, Milan

Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool

(Liverpool won 3-0 on aggregate)

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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The Super 16

You may call it tough luck or whatever you want. But I was looking forward to this Champions League grudge match with Inter Milan. During the draw process, the candidates that are in the pot were Sevilla, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan after Barcelona was drawn against Celtic earlier. I was hoping for a rematch against AC Milan, but we got Inter instead.

Liverpool and Inter Milan only met once in European competition, way back in 1964/65 semi-finals of the European Champion Clubs' Cup. Liverpool triumphing 3-1 in the first leg at Anfield only for Inter to overturn that deficit with a 3-0 victory in the return, going on to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. Liverpool have won four of their six home games against Italian opposition, including their last two, but have tasted success just once in six visits to Italian teams. Inter, may have won only three of their nine trips to England, yet two of those victories came in their last two visits, in impressive fashion, 4-1 at Newcastle United and 3-0 at Arsenal.

The Reds will entertain the Italian champions in the first-leg on Tuesday, February 19 while the second-leg in Italy will be played on Tuesday, March 11 2008. And here are the rest of the last 16 draws for this year Champions League.

• Celtic v Barcelona
• Lyon v Mancheater United
• Schalke 04 v Porto
• Liverpool v Inter Milan
• Roma v Real Madrid
• Arsenal v AC Milan
• Olympiacos v Chelsea
• Fenerbahce v Sevilla
  

All matches will be play on 19/20 February and the return leg on 4/5 March, except Inter Milan home match which will be play on 11 March (Inter and AC Milan ground sharing).

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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