Finnan future still in doubt as Rafinha back on Reds agenda

Liverpool defender Steve Finnan yet again in the speculation for an exit after report said Rafa back in the hunt for Schalke 04's fullback. Finnan has admitted he still unsure over his future at the club following a summer of transfer activity at Anfield.

He need to compete for the right back slot with Swiss international Philipp Degen and Alvaro Arbeloa. The news of Rafa looking for another fullback means his days are numbered. Liverpool has been monitoring the tension between Rafinha and Schalke 04, after the Brazilian went against the club's decision to play for Beijing Olympics.

You would have to ask the club. I have been trying to get into the team.

I haven't played, but I will just wait and see and when the transfer window closes, we will know then.

I will wait and see if I can get into the team; if not, then obviously I want to play, so we will just have to take it from there.

We (he and Rafa Benitez) have spoken about it, but at this time, I don't think I will say too much more. - Steve Finnan, Setanta Sport

Finnan are desperate for first team action as he been coaxed out of international retirement by Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni and was featured on last Wednesday 1-1 draw with Norway. He's been linked in the Gareth Barry's deal which didn't materialised and he could find himself playing for Boro at Riverside before the transfer deadline.

According to Team Talk, Middlesbrough are short of right backs and are looking to fill the gap left by Luke Young, who joined Aston Villa, sees Finnan as the cheap ideal option for the role.

Expect some more changes made to the Liverpool's lineup before 1st September when the transfer window close.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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Reds' quadruplet near Liverpool exit

Liverpool's gaffer, Rafa Benitez keen to recover as much as possible from this summer transfer window after splashing £18million on Robbie Keane to financed his other targets.

Four Reds' players reportedly heading for Anfield exit to enable Rafa to pursuit at least two more players before the season start. The quadruplet who will be leaving are Andriy Voronin, Jermain Pennant, Alvaro Arbeloa and Charles Itandje.

Blackburn manager Paul Ince has made contact with Anfield official on the availability of Jermain Pennant and had offered £4million for the Liverpool's winger. The figure could rise to £6million depending on Pennant's performances at Rovers. This move was triggered by the following move of David Bentley to Tottenham and Ince needs a cover for right side of midfield as he failed to hold on to Bentley.

Charles Itandje, last season second choice goalkeeper, has moved down the pecking order since the arrival of Diego Cavalieri as Reina's cover. But his move to Galatasaray was hindered by a contract's dispute at Anfield.

Although, Voronin featured in all Liverpool's pre-season matches and are regaining his form. The arrival of Robbie Keane and David Ngog spells the end of his Anfield career. He's being courted by Olympiacos, Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg. Rafa keen to sell him at £6million after he arrived on a free from Bayer Leverkusen a year ago.

While, what surprises us is Alvaro Arbeloa wants to leave Liverpool and return to his native Spain for personal reasons. Liverpool has received a bid in the region of £6million for the fullback. This news has thwarted Rafa's pursuit of Gareth Barry as Aston Villa wants Steve Finnan included in the deal.

Liverpool will be short of cover at right-back if Finnan was sold to Villa. With Philipp Degen set to miss the early part of the season due to groin strain, the deal for Barry was put on hold until Rafa could sign a new fullback. Reds are rumoured to have courted Schalke 04 right-back, Rafinha who are unsettled at his current club.

The sales of the quadruplet would bolster Rafa's coffer to £19million and it should be enough for him to try and sign a fullback and a winger. Rafa still hopeful of signing Gareth Barry after he went silence over this deal. But he won't jeopardize his move for a winger as money was again the main stumbling block.

Should we see Rafa going for Valencia's David Silva and Schalke's Rafinha? I still doesn't see where will Gareth Barry fit into our system since Xabi Alonso still a Liverpool member. We also have Lucas and Mascherano commanding the midfield area.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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