Thursday 16 July 2009

Transfer Speculation: Silva, Kitoko, Aquilani, Hernanes, Cana, Reyes

With Xabi Alonso Liverpool future in the balance, speculation has inevitably turned to who could possibly replace the Spanish midfielder.

David Silva
Once again Silva’s name sits top of the list. Benitez has been linked with the Valencia man since joining the Reds in 2004. Today’s Telegraph speculates that Benitez “will begin the more arduous task of replacing Alonso. Armed with the majority of the fee generated by his sale, Benitez is likely to return for David Silva, the Valencia playmaker.” The story also lists a few other possible targets including: Sylvain Distin, the Portsmouth defender. A swap deal for Alonso involving Wesley Sneijder, the Dutch international, has been ruled out and “Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez perhaps the most likely option,” says the story. Benitez has also been linked with Inter Milan's Esteban Cambiasso, an international team-mate of Mascherano. “The Spaniard is also known to be an admirer of Lee Cattermole, of Wigan, and Liverpool's need to boost their English quotient to meet the Champions League squad quota would make him an attractive proposition, though he may baulk at his £8 million asking price,” says the article.

Ritchie Kitoko
“Liverpool are "interested" in Albacete's Belgian midfielder Ritchie Kitoko,” claims the Guardian. The Mail adds that Kitoko is a “young, combative midfielder that impressed with Albacete in the Segunda Division last season.” The player is a more defensive midfielder that “likes to sit in front of back four but can also play wide right.” The story says: “Has been mentioned to Liverpool scouts and he may be a cheap option to boost squad numbers should they lose one or two star midfielders. Born in Congo but has Belgian second nationality which would qualify him to play in England.”

Alberto Aquilani
The agent of Alberto Aquilani has denied reports claiming the playmaker will leave Roma for Liverpool this summer reports the Independent. Speculation in Italy claimed a delegation from Anfield had arrived in Rome to offer 16million euros for the player. The highly-rated 25-year-old is considered a candidate to replace Xabi Alonso should he leave. But Aquilani's agent Franco Zabaglia told asromanews.it:

"Alberto to Liverpool? Let's not say silly things. There's no point in even talking about this subject because there is no truth in this. The player recently extended his contract with Roma and is working towards recovering and giving his best to Roma."

Hernanes
“Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Brazilian midfielder Hernanes,” claims the Post. “The 24-year-old’s full name is Anderson Hernanes de Carvalho Andrade Lime and he currently plies his trade for Sao Paulo.” Hernanes has been linked with AC Milan and Juventus but both clubs have not met the fee Sao Paulo are demanding. Sao Paulo Technical Director ‘Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes’ has recently ridiculed AC Milan’s last attempt to sign the player:

He said: “I need to find how much a crate of bananas is worth, as that is how much they want to give us for both players.”

Lorik Cana
The Post also says Marseille midfielder Lorik Cana is linked with a switch to Merseyside. “The Albanian is known as a touch tackler, so it is open to question if he could match Alonso's creativity in the middle of the park. Rafa benitez is also strongly linked with Esteban Cambiasso of Inter Milan and Belgium midfielder Steve Defour,” says the story.

Jose Antonio Reyes
The Post is also reporting that Liverpool have joined the queue of clubs asking about former Arsenal midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes. The 25-year-old is no longer wanted by Atletico Madrid and his contract can be bought out for just £4m. “Reyes spent last season on loan at Benfica, who have offered to match Atletico's asking price,” says the story.

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