Liverpool closes in on third signing

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is desperate to add some much needed width to his new-look team next season, and has turned to Gaston Ramirez after baulking at Fulham's £10 million asking price for Clint Dempsey.

A fast, agile and elegant left winger who can play up front, Ramirez is rated as one of the finest players in Italy, and has been tracked by Barcelona, AC Milan and the two Manchester clubs in the last six months.

However, it appears that Liverpool, who held initial talks over a deal with Bologna last month, have jumped the queue, with the players agent arriving in England this week to sort out a transfer to the Premier League:

'Gaston is ready to leave Italy - so much so I am in England for talks with a Premier League club,' agent Pablo Betancourt told Mercato.

'He is one of the most important players in Uruguray, so there are no shortage of offers.'

Inter Milan and Tottenham are two other clubs believed to have significant interest in Ramirez, but neither are willing to stump up the £15 million Bologna want for the 21-year-old.

That clears the way for Liverpool to get their man, and they are hopeful they land the player in the next fortnight, despite the transfer being complicated, as Ramirez will be on duty for Uruguay during the London Olympics.

The former Penarol ace, who is contracted to Bologna until 2016, has already set his heart on a move to Anfield.

Source: Metro

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Liverpool ready to offload Italian to Fiorentina

Liverpool have accepted an undisclosed offer from Fiorentina for Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The 28-year-old has flown to Italy from the Reds' pre-season tour of the United States to complete his move.

Liverpool are likely to step up their attempts to sign Swansea's Joe Allen if the deal proceeds as expected.

Aquilani has failed to settle at Anfield since signing in 2009 for £20million from Roma and has been on loan for the last two seasons.

The Italian’s lucrative contract equates to around £6.5 million a year, an expense which has only been reduced in recent years thanks to loan deals.

To put it into perspective, the £125,000 a week he is currently costing the Anfield club double what Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher earns.

His stints at AC Milan last term and Juventus in the 2010-11 season mean he did not play for former Reds' managers Kenny Dalglish and only made two appearances for Roy Hodgson.

And despite having two years left on his contract and completing pre-season under new boss Brendan Rodgers, it appears that his time at Liverpool is coming to a conclusion.

Rafael Benitez brought Aquilani to Anfield as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, but he struggled with injury and made 26 appearances in his first season.

Source: BBC Sport

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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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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.”

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Source: Sky Sports

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Liverpool midfielder set for Anfield exit after all

After months of speculation, Liverpool FC has finally agreed on the proposal given by Fiorentina for Alberto Aquilani.

According to the Echo, talks are ongoing after the Serie A outfit stepped up their pursuit of the Italy international.

Fiorentina want to take Aquilani on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Reports in Italy suggest they will pay the Reds a loan fee of £900,000 with the option to buy him for £9million next summer.

Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia said: “The agreement between Fiorentina and Alberto has not yet been reached.

“If we talk about an agreement, that was only reached between the two clubs, because Fiorentina have not come to any decision.”

Aquilani, who cost £17million from Roma in 2009, spent last season on loan at Juventus. They had the option to buy him for £14m at the end of the campaign but turned it down.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at Anfield following the signings of midfield trio Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing.

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Source: Liverpool Echo

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Liverpool midfielder denies Fiorentina link

The agent of Alberto Aquilani has brushed aside speculation linking the player with a move to Fiorentina this summer.

Reports in the Italian media claim the Viola are considering strengthening their squad by signing the Liverpool midfielder.

However, Aquilani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, told Tuttomercatoweb.it: "His future for the time being is at Liverpool. The player will remain there.

"With Fiorentina there are no negotiations in place, I have not even been approached by them.

"They are just rumours."

Aquilani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus, wanted to remain in Italy but received no suitable offers despite making 33 league appearances for the Turin outfit.

The 26-year-old was a reported target of AC Milan and Napoli this summer but announced earlier this month he will play in Anfield next season.

Liverpool signed Aquilani from Roma in 2009 and he is under contract with the Reds until June 2014.

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

Source: Liverpool FC Official, Independent

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Liverpool preparing a move for Colombia international defender

Udinese defender reveals Reds offer.

Udinese defender Cristian Zapata has revealed that he is close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool.

The Colombia international is rated as one of the best defenders in Serie A and he played a major role in helping them into the UEFA Champions League next season.

He is currently back in South America preparing for the Copa America, but he has revealed that he is in talks about leaving Italy.

The 24-year-old has stated that Liverpool and Bayern Munich have both made moves for his signature, but he admits that he is close to sealing a switch to Anfield.

Asked about his future by La FM, he said: "I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to Liverpool.

"At the end of the Copa America, we will see what happens with my future.

"I have gained experience, but the time has come for me to make the jump to a big team."

Zapata, who has been with Udinese for four years, plays in central defence but is also capable of playing in either full-back position.

A previous target of Arsenal, Zapata currently has two years left on his contract at the Stade Friuli.

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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Rumour Mill: Argentine defender linked to Liverpool

Catania have claimed that Liverpool are interested in their Argentine defender Matias Silvestre.

The versatile 26-year-old has been playing for the Serie A club for the past three-and-a-half seasons, having arrived in Italy from Boca Juniors in January 2008.

His performances over the past 12 months have been particularly impressive and Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco admitted in April it was probably time for him to move on to a bigger stage.

Lo Monaco has now declared that Liverpool are among the clubs chasing Silvestre's signature, along with Villarreal and a couple of Italian rivals.

"Top of the list of those moving on is Silvestre," Lo Monaco told Itasportpress.

"I'd struggle to keep him here, considering what a great player he is. There are two Italian clubs tracking him, but Liverpool and Villarreal are also interested in Silvestre.

"Silvestre is worth as much as Thiago Silva and scores more goals."

There is expected to be a lot of transfer activity in and out of Catania following Vincenzo Montella's appointment as head coach this week, but Lo Monaco would like to keep as many of the club's key players as possible.

"As for Maxi Lopez, he will leave if there is a decent offer, otherwise he'll stay with us," explained the official.

"Cristian Llama and Marco Biagianti are 100 per cent staying at Catania.

"We turned down an offer for Mario Gomez from a European club. We're not sure about Taka Morimoto, but it's probable he will remain."

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

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv, Sky Sports

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Weekend Links: The Glory Around The Fields Of Anfield Road, Ronaldinho rubbishes Liverpool link, Palmeiras looking to land Adriano and Ronaldinho, Liverpool and Tottenham prepare for January bidding war, Liverpool are improving in confidence

The weekend links are back again! News featuring some of the most popular football blog or website. Enjoy your weekend.

The Glory Around The Fields Of Anfield Road – The Empire of the Kop

Ronaldinho rubbishes Liverpool link – Premiership Talk

Palmeiras looking to land Adriano and Ronaldinho – The Sport Review

Liverpool and Tottenham prepare for January bidding war – Football Corner

Liverpool are improving in confidence – Football News Blog

 

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Diego Cavalieri joins Cesena

Liverpool have confirmed that goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has left the club and signed for Italian outfit Cesena.

The stopper was signed by Rafael Benitez from Palmeiras in July 2008 and made 10 appearances for the first team.

He has now signed for Italian Serie A newcomers AC Cesena Spa who clinched promotion last season.

New-signing Brad Jones has now been allocated the No.1 shirt.

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Juventus forward on Liverpool’s radar

David Trezeguet's agent claims Liverpool are interested in signing the Juventus forward.

Reports in Italy claim Liverpool made an enquiry for Trezeguet after allowing Alberto Aquilani to join Juve on loan.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson is keen to bolster his attacking options before the close of the transfer window and he is believed to be considering a swoop for French international Trezeguet.

Trezeguet's future at Juve has been the subject of speculation for some time with the Frenchman dropping down the pecking order at the Bianconeri.

The player's agent, Antonio Caliendo, admits Liverpool and Spanish duo Real Zaragoza and Hercules are chasing Trezeguet's signature.

   "An interest from Liverpool? There are requests, not just of Liverpool.

"In Spain there is the interest of Real Zaragoza and Hercules.

"We are considering offers, today is a day of reflection, we will know more tomorrow." Caliendo told calciomercato.it.

Source: Sky Sports

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Anfield flops set for loan exit

Aquilani has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his £20million arrival from Roma last summer.

The injury-hit playmaker has struggled to make an impact after coming to Anfield and discussions are under way for him to return to his home country.

Aquilani was left out of Liverpool's squad for yesterday night's UEFA Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor and Hodgson admits he will probably be loaned out to a Serie A side.

   "At the moment we are considering possibly loaning him to an Italian club, but nothing is sure about that yet so I don't have anything to report.

"I didn't want to use him tonight just in case the loan goes through because for Aquilani this year it's very important that he plays regular football, every week as the number one man on the team sheet.

"I can't promise him that here so if a loan move to Italy could help him in that respect it might be good for all parties.

"It would certainly be what he needs, it would certainly protect the value of the player and when he does return to Liverpool no doubt we will see the Aquilani that we signed before he came here injured last year." Hodgson told LiverpoolFC.tv

Earlier this month, defender Philipp Degen has joined German side VfB Stuttgart on loan for the 2010-11 season.

The Swiss international, was signed on a free transfer by ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez in 2008 but played only seven times for the Anfield club.

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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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Liverpool sign £20M Roma midfielder

Liverpool FC confirmed yesterday evening that Alberto Aquilani has successfully completed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with the club. Aquilani cost Liverpool £20million from AS Roma.

The Italian is unlikely to make his Reds debut before October. The player will now continue his rehabilitation from an ankle operation under the guidance of Liverpool's medical team and is expected to be fully fit in approximately four to eight weeks' time.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez identified the Italy international as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for £30million earlier this week.

He made 147 appearances for Roma since his league debut against Torino in 2003 and has won 11 caps for Italy.

Former Liverpool left-back, John Arne Riise backs Aquilani to be successful in the Barclays Premier League.

  "When I first came to Roma, I didn't know a thing about Aquilani,"

"I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.

"He's really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional.

"He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he's always on the run.

"He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.

"When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He's a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player." – Riise, LiverpoolFC.tv.

The Reds had also been linked with Wigan's Lee Catermole and Valencia's David Silva.

 

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Juventus not interested in Liverpool midfielder

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli insists the Serie A giants are not interested in signing Liverpool midfielder.

Speculation is rife that Juventus have joined the race to sign Xabi Alonso, who they tried to tempt to the Stadio Olimpico last year.

  “For the midfield, there are many names. But Xabi Alonso's not one of those",

"I read in the press about our interest for him. He's a good player, but I think that saying I've read his name in papers is where it ends." – Cobolli Gigli.

Cobolli Gigli also revealed that Juventus are still interested in Udinese playmaker Gaetano D'Agostino despite their bid hitting several stumbling blocks.

However, Cobolli Gigli claims they are not in the hunt for Alonso, who has also been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Juventus wouldn't be able to match the amount that Real Madrid would bid, which is rumoured to be between £25m and £35m, with it now looking increasingly like the Spanish international is actually going to be leaving Anfield?

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Reds defender keen to make the switch back to Italy

The Italian international fullback that Liverpool bought from Udinese last summer maybe heading back to Serie A soon. Andrea Dossena failed to live up to his expectation in English league are pondering a move to Juventus but Rafa Benitez hopes he’ll stay for another season according to Dossena’s agent, Roberto La Florio.

  "We have spoken with Liverpool and with Benitez and we received confirmation that the club are keen on holding onto Dossena,"

"However, we all know what the market is like and when a certain offer comes along then negotiations open up.

"So far, neither we nor Liverpool have been presented with an offer but we did have contact with Juve last year.

"Dossena is fine in England. He would be happy to return, but under certain conditions. Juve are making their own evaluations and they will contact us if they are interested. We will wait." - Roberto La Florio, Sportal.

Rumours from the Italian press has suggested that David Trezeguet are willing to take a pay cut to join AS Roma. And what tickles me most are that Trezeguet being linked with a move to Anfield in a possible deal for Dossena.

Well, David has past his prime, 32-years old soon and does Rafa willing to gamble on him? Remember Fernando Morientes? Rafa may have keen to sign him on loan from Juve during 2006 campaign but what do you think about ‘Trezegol’ donning the red for us?

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Liverpool swoop for £17M Serie A striker

They have rejected Liverpool’s offer for the sensational Argentine striker once. Now the player’s agent, Alejandro Mazzoni said Napoli are willing to sell if Liverpool increase the fees.

“Today there is an offer for the player and I have the impression that the club wants to sell him.

“I would like to stress that Napoli are important to Lavezzi, but we are talking about an English club in the Champions League and, moreover, they are offering him three times what he earns now.” - Alejandro Mazzoni, Vital Football.

Could Ezequiel Lavezzi be the final pieces of the puzzle we’re looking for? Or will he be another Mark Gonzales in the making?

Lavezzi has formed a formidable partnership with Hamsik since joining from San Lorenzo two season ago. The Argentine international has scored 16 goals for Napoli.

Liverpool were not the only English club scouting Lavezzi, Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in the Argentine ace too. So, if Rafa really want to swooped this player, he better make that offer sooner rather than later.

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