Transfer Speculation: Villa, Aquilani, Silva

David Villa
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is expected to make a move for Valencia's David Villa once Xabi Alonso's £30 million move to Real Madrid has gone through, claims the Telegraph.
“Alonso is expected to complete his deal with Real within the next 24 hours”, says the story. The fee from his transfer will give “Benitez enough disposable cash to pair Villa up with his compatriot Fernando Torres.”

The article goes on to say: “Liverpool are said to be confident of their chances of snapping up the 26-year-old, who has already turned down offers from Real and Barcelona this summer, but have prepared a back up plan should they encounter any obstacles.” If signing Villa falls through, Benitez has a number of back up plans:

Alberto Aquilani
Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, 24 is on Benitez's radar, “who is reported to have been offered a five-year deal to replace Alonso,” says the Telegraph in a “£14 million move.” However the paper appears to contradict itself, as elsewhere in another story they say: “Roma rate their home-grown star at £30m.” The article also adds: “there are signs that his club would not stand in the way of a transfer to Liverpool,” as “they are unable to object to big money transfers, which plays into the hands of Benitez.”

Rome newspaper Il Messaggero Reports that the club are willing to sell for around £15million and the player is happy with a five-year contract worth around 4million euros a year.
Most newspaper are in agreement that formal negotiations cannot take place until the Alonso deal is settled.

David Silva
Valencia club president Manuel Llorente, speaking to the local Valencia Press, played down rumours that his talented winger David Silva will be leaving the club.

"The club is not interested in selling this player," claimed Llorente"We have not received any formal offers and it is not in our plans to consider David's exit,” reports Goal.

"There is still one month left until the transfer window closes, but our decision on this subject will not change" concluded the president.

However Spanish newspaper Marca believe Silva is widely expected to be plying his trade in the Premier League in the upcoming new season and “it is suspected Liverpool lead the hunt for his signature.” Fernando Torres recently spoke about his fellow Spanish International said:

"We lack players like [Wayne] Rooney and [Carlos] Tevez who can drop back between the lines of attack and midfield and cause havoc for opposing defences and midfields."

"Liverpool need a player like David Silva...who can drop deep, find unexpected space, use a bit of quality and open up a game."

The story concludes that “Liverpool are widely expected to offer £25 million to Valencia in the coming days, which will test Manuel Llorente's words.”

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Silva, Valbuena, Young

Xabi Alonso
There appears wholly conflicting reports regarding the future of Xabi Alonso. According to the Spanish and English press, the Liverpool midfielder ‘will’ OR ‘will not’ travel with the rest of the Liverpool team to the Far East. Representatives from Real are in Liverpool to finalise a deal for between £23-32 million, or the Madrid officials are finding the whole saga so difficult that they have turned heir attentions to ex player Esteban Granerom, Cesc Fabregas or Daniele De Rossi. Also speculated is a whole number of cash plus player deals that I’m almost expecting Mickey Mouse to enter the deal. So here goes:

AS
Xabi Alonso will thrash out his future with boss Rafa Benitez today after meeting up with Liverpool in Vienna ahead of their tour of Asia, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The story claims Alonso “will have a chance to see Rafa Benítez before the match.” Alonso will also play a part in the upcoming Far East tour, however the Spanish midfielder: “will use those days to convince the coach that his future lies away from Anfield,” says the story, which adds “ten days ago Madrid made an offer of 27 million euros which was not accepted by Liverpool.”

Sport
Barcelona-based newspaper ‘Sport’ says Alonso will finally join Real Madrid next week in a £30million deal. Madrid have sent representatives to Merseyside to seal the deal, with the intention of paying £30 million for Alonso's services. The newspaper goes on to claim that the midfielder will not travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour to Asia, and that Madrid want him to join their pre-season camp in Ireland, which ends on Wednesday.

However, late interest from Inter Milan could draw out the saga further.

The Times
“Xabi Alonso expected to complete a £32 million move to Real Madrid next week,” says the Times. However “the Spain midfield player is not expected to travel with the Liverpool squad for their pre-season tour to Asia.” The story add’s that: “Wesley Sneijder, Real’s attacking midfield player, would be used as a makeweight in the prospective transfer.” Once the deal has been finalised “Liverpool will intensify their efforts to sign David Silva, the Valencia playmaker,” claims the story.

Marca
Real Madrid's problems in signing Xabi Alonso has led them to contemplate a buy-back option on Esteban Granero, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The 22-year-old left the Bernabeu for Getafe last summer and Madrid have until July 31 to exercise the option of buying him back for about £3.5million.

Daily Mail
Taken from a story in Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, the Mail says that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is so fed up with the negotiations for Xabi Alonso that he has again asked about the availability of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. It says that if the Alonso deal is to go ahead, Holland international Wesley Sneijder could be offered to Liverpool in part-exchange.

David Silva
“Benitez will quickly try to bring long-term target Silva, 23, to Anfield even though he may have to smash the club’s transfer record of £20m for Fernando Torres to do it,” says the Express. “Valencia have serious debt problems but they have still been playing hard-ball over their two prized assets.” The article says that cash strapped Valencia “want £25m for Silva.” The Reds manager will fund the transfer “with £30m from Alonso’s expected sale,” which will give him the extra resources “to try to push the deal through for midfielder Silva.”

Mathieu Valbuena
The Mail also says: “Marseille have rejected a £4.75million bid from an English club for midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, according to French newspaper La Provence. The 24-year-old can leave for the right price and has been linked to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso.”

Ashley Young
Liverpool are set to offer £20m for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young after Spurs saw an £18m bid knocked back claims ‘Eat Sleep Sport.’ The story claims that a bidding war is about to erupt between Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Anfield counterpart Rafa Benitez for the 24-year-old.

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Negredo, Sneijder, Silva

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid believe they will finally get their man when they return with an improved offer for Xabi Alonso this weekend, claims the Mirror.

According to the paper, the Spanish club has “reopened talks with Liverpool and are ready to increase their bid to around £32million.”

Alonso is set to rejoin his Liverpool team mate’s tomorrow, which states the paper, has prompted “both parties to intensify negotiations.”

The story declares that Real had “previously offered £22m for the Spanish midfielder and were reluctant to go beyond that figure.”

But the story claims that Rafa Benitez may be willing to listen to offers of £22m cash, plus a player in part-exchange and Real players Alvaro Negredo and Wesley Sneijder could be used to bump up the deal.

Benitez will do business if he believes the cash plus player deal will give him the “£35m which he believes reflects Alonso's current worth,” says the story.

David Silva
If the Alonso deal is agreed, it will allow the Anfield boss to “pursue Valencia winger David Silva,” says the Mirror, adding: “insiders within the club suggest that if a deal can be concluded to sell Alonso at the right price over the weekend, the club will try to wrap up a £20m deal for Silva next week.”

Silva has now returned from a holiday, but negotiations have been continuing for weeks “and it is thought a fee could be thrashed out in the early part of next week allowing Silva to sign by Wednesday,” claims the story.

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.

Transfer Speculation: Silva, Falcao, De Federico

David Silva

“Valencia continue to insist the Spain winger will not be allowed to leave the Mestalla,” says the Mail’s ‘Insider’. But Liverpool may test the cash strapped club “with an offer of between £18-20m once they have banked the money from Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid,” claims the speculative story. The story goes on to say: “Alonso’s departure will disappoint Liverpool supporters, but manager Rafael Benitez knows that partnering Silva with his Spain teammate Fernando Torres at Anfield would go a long way to softening the blow.”

Falcao

Rafa Benitez may be targeting a late swoop for the highly rated Colombian striking sensation Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate claims the Post. The Liverpool manager will try and disrupt the 23-year-old’s move to Benfica, who are “strong favourites to sign him for a knockdown £3m fee.” The talented 23-year-old who is simply known as 'Falcao' currently plies his trade for River Plate in The Argentina who currently plays for River Plate “is on his way out of the cash-strapped club who reportedly still owe the player 400,000 euros which has held up his transfer to Portugal,” says the story.

The player recently signed a three-year contract extension with River to make sure the club receive a bigger fee from Benfica. “The Lisbon giants were to purchase 80% of Falcao’s economic rights but the move has stalled.” Falcao has been linked to Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United in the past.

Matias De Federico

Liverpool are believed to be monitoring the progress of Argentine striker Matias De Federico, says the Post. The 19-year-old has established himself as a regular alongside fellow prodigy Javier Pastore as Los Quemeros have emerged as surprise table-toppers of the Clausura championship. De Federico is thought to be considered the 'New Messi' - recently impressed national team boss Diego Maradona on his international debut, netting a spectacular goal in a 3-1 friendly win against Panama.

"I like to watch the English Premier League, it is very fast and I think that it would suit my speed well," said the player

Transfer Speculation: Mascherano, Alonso, Reina, Tevez, Silva, Albiol, Distin, Owen, Dossena

Javier Mascherano
The Mail claims the Argentinian midfielder is set to leave Liverpool, with Barcelona preparing a £35million bid. The Argentine, 25, has told boss Rafael Benitez he needs to leave because his wife, Fernanda, is reluctant to return to England. The article says Masherano’s wife is pregnant and “has returned to South America with their daughter Iola and does not want to fly back. Benitez is understanding but still wants at least £35m for his midfield enforcer. Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, held talks on Wednesday with Barca general manager Raul Sanlehy and sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who will offer around £20m plus possibly striker Bojan Krkic.”

Xabi Alonso
A number of papers are reporting that Xabi Alonso has cast further doubt on is Liverpool future because of the answer he gave to a Spanish Radio station. The Guardian reports: “Asked by the Cadena Ser radio station if he would be disappointed having to stay at Liverpool next season, he responded: "I can't answer that question." To which the interviewer replied: "And with that you have said it all." The Telegraph is also running the same interview, but reveals more of Alonso’s answer: “But each player thinks about their own future. It's clear that on the outside there are reports about your future, but you cannot do much and the only thing you can do is train normally."

Jamie Carragher speaking in an interview on Sky Sports has this to say on the subject: "This summer there has been a bit of speculation about players moving on, so at the moment I'm hoping that doesn't happen rather than people come in. We have got a great side at the moment, and I'm sure the manager will make a couple of additions, but we don't want to lose anyone." Speaking of Alonso, Carragher said: "He and Stevie Gerrard were probably our best two players last season. I think Stevie won Footballer of the Year, but if you asked the fans I think they would maybe say that Alonso was our best player last season so he is certainly someone we don't want to lose."

Pepe Reina
The Reds keeper has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, because current keeper Victor Valdes had not signed a new contract with the club. However the Mail says: “Victor Valdes has ended speculation linking him to Manchester United by signing a new contract at European champions Barcelona. The extention to 2014 is also likely to be met with relief at Liverpool, whose Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina had been lined up as a replacement for the Nou Camp No 1.”

Carlos Tevez
The Argentinian has today ruled himself out of a move to Liverpool Football Club. Sky Sports News sources have been informed that a move to Anfield is not an option for Tevez. Interestingly, the player has not ruled himself out of a move to arch rivals and ‘swimming -in-loot’ club Manchester City. However this is probably more of an over site by the considerate young player who clearly wouldn’t upset any United fans with a move to Eastlands.

David Silva and Raul Albiol
Today’s Mirror says of the upcoming move of Glen Jonson will be the first edition to his summer transfer activity, but it wont be his last. Speaking of Benitez the story says: “He wants a wide player and has been chasing Valencia winger David Silva for some time, while he is also in talks over the Spanish club's centrehalf Raul Albiol, with the pair valued at a combined £30m.”

Sylvain Distin
The Mail declares that Liverpool have launched a bid for Sylvain Distin: “The 31-year-old French defender is in demand. Liverpool have already placed a £2million bid and Aston Villa have also expressed an interest. Sunderland, keen to bolster their leaky defence, want him too but Steve Bruce is likely to be disappointed. Distin is keen on Liverpool but he may only be a squad player there and will be keen to hear Martin O'Neill's plans.”

Michael Owen
Fernando Torres has spoken about Michael Owen, who is available on a free transfer and has recently sent out a brochure to Premiership, Italian and Spanish clubs promoting his services. Torres said: "I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him," said Torres in the Daily Mail. "I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer. He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don't lose that just because you have been injured."

Andrea Dossena
The Telegraph reports that Juventus are considering both Dossena and international team-mate Fabio Grosso, 31, to fill the left-back spot. "I don't know if you can call it an ultimatum, but I think that Juve will decide what to do within the next week," agent Roberto La Florio told Calciomercato.it. "The left-back position is a necessity for the Bianconeri and the directors are not willing to drag this on. However, I still think it's a two-horse race between Andrea and Grosso. Dossena's age and wages are on his side. Is he worth around 6-7million euros? The last time I met with Liverpool we did not talk about numbers, I can only say they paid more for him last summer. Andrea has subtly expressed his desire to join Juve in recent days, but he also said that he loves it in Liverpool. We'll definitely know more about it next week and Juve remain the most likely destination for him."

Rafa expresses sadness for debt ridden Valencia

Rafa Benitez has revealed his sadness for his former club Valencia, which revealed debts of almost £500 earlier this week. Rafa won two Primera Division titles during his spell in charge at Estadio Mestalla. Reported on Sky Sports News, Benitez said: "From my exit of Valencia the club have committed many errors and the new president Manuel Llorente is the correct person for the solution of the crisis," Rafa told Spanish newspaper Superdeporte. “I have problems with Llorente but that is the past and now is forgotten. All clubs need to move with much intelligence in the market during this summer of crisis.

Rafa was careful to play down any move for Valencia playmaker David Silva: "I do not speak about Silva for to avoid more confusion in these times of rumours," he said. “In Liverpool I am happy because I am working with a group very committed in its objectives. Liverpool have developed in a very good season. We have used a different style in comparison with Man Utd or Chelsea. For me it is clear that today it is more difficult and complicated to win the Premier League than La Liga. The arrival of the millionaires to the Premier League changes the schemes. Manchester City and Portsmouth could generate many problems to the habitual title candidates."

Liverpool on red alert as Valencia admit they must sell players

Transfer Speculation

Valencia have admitted they will be forced to sell either David Villa or David Silva claims today’s Mail. The club have revealed crippling debts of £470 million, which says the article is “even worse than previously feared”, a figure that dwarfs Liverpool’s debts and almost makes you feel that things aren’t so bad. Reports in Spain suggest Valencia have already accepted a bid in the region of £32m from Madrid for Villa.

Silva has continuously been linked with Liverpool since Rafa arrived at Liverpool five years ago and Benitez has not hidden his admiration for the attacking midfielder. Recent reports speculate the Reds manager had made a £15m offer, with Benitez attempting to take advantage of the clubs financial woes, with Saturdays Telegraph claiming that Rafa, “while ostensibly on holiday, met the player last week.”

Valencia president Vicento Soriano resigned a few days ago after failing to address the clubs financial dilemma and declared he did not want to be remembered for selling Villa and Silva. But, Manuel Llorente, his successor, has so far not been able to give the same assurances. Asked by Spanish Newspaper ‘AS’ if both players would stay at the club, Llorente said: “I do not want to sell them, I am going to try to save one, because the team must maintain quality. We are not going to undo the team. There are players who we must sell to renew the team and others because we need the money. And we must keep in mind, although I can not quantify the amount of money that we must bring in from the sale of players.”

With Real reportedly operating with a £200m spending budget and a number of papers reporting Silva’s representatives had met with the Spanish club a few days ago, Rafa probably faces an uphill struggle to sign the player if an auction were to be instigated. however the Spanish international, has a close relationship with Liverpool’s chief scout, Eduardo Macia. Also worth noting is Benitez’ s continual pursuit of the midfielder. A deal in January was almost struck and a fee in the region of £15 million was provisionally agreed before one Valencia director went public on the deal in an attempt to smoke out interest from other clubs.

This story could unfold with greater speed over the next few days as Valencia battle their staggering debts and the possibility of a flash sale increases.

Silva in talks with Real

Transfer Speculation

Following on from the doom and gloom of financial woe, Liverpool are in danger of missing out on another summer signing: David Silva, states today’s Times. The article claims the players “representatives held talks with Real Madrid last night.” The story goes on to say that: “Real have a transfer budget thought to be as much as £200 million to sign about five players this summer and they believe that Silva will cost little more than the £20 million that Juventus offered last summer. Valencia will be forced to sell players because of the poor financial position that led to the resignation of Vicente Soriano, the club’s president, yesterday. Julio Llorente and Amadeo Rangel, Silva’s agents, met Miguel Pardeza, Real’s sporting director, and Jorge Valdano, their director general, for 1½ hours at the Bernabeu yesterday.”

Silva, is flattered by the talk claims Sky Sports News, with the player stating: "I don't know anything about what happened because I was at home in the Canaries and I still haven't talked to my agents," he said. "But Valencia should be calm. That a team like Real Madrid are interested is good for Valencia and for me. At the moment I am focused on the national team, I hope everything works out well. It's flattering that a team like Real Madrid are interested but at the moment I am at Valencia."

David Silva rumours gather pace

Transfer Speculation

Speculation regarding David Silva has gathered pace overnight. A number of media outlets are claiming a deal may be close. The Mail’s ‘transfer insider’ column says that: Benitez is a long-time admirer of the 23-year-old and wants to bring extra quality into his squad, but the Liverpool boss will have to make sacrifices elsewhere to find the cash. Real Madrid and Barcelona remain interested and have greater funds available, but Silva would like to go to Anfield. His arrival could mean Benitez having to ff-load Albert Riera.”

The Telegraph is also chipping in with: “Benitez is said to have launched another bid to sign David Silva from Valencia. The Spain international tops Benitez's wish list this summer, and Liverpool are believed to have offered £15 million plus Andrei Voronin.” Elsewhere the paper says: “Valencia winger David Silva is believed to be Benitez's primary target, though the manager admits he will have to spend wisely after being given just £20 million to spend, on top of whatever he raises from player sales.”

4thegame.com claims: “The Reds are reported to have stolen a march on their rivals though with a £15million offer that would also see Voronin head to the Mestella.”

The Daily Mirror is also running the story, but also warns that we may face competition from, whom else? Real Madrid. The article says: “Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has launched his bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva. Spain's Euro 2008 winner Silva tops the Anfield wanted list and Valencia may have to sell cheaply because of their dire financial problems. Liverpool are believed to have made an initial offer of £15million plus misfit forward Andriy Voronin. But Real Madrid are waiting in the wings for Silva.”

Newly elected Madrid president Florentino Perez appears to be throwing every name into the barrel in an effort to resurrect to his ‘Galactico’ ethos. Let’s hope they run out of money in a bidding war with Chelsea for Milan marvel Kaka.

goal.com have added their assessment of the situation by stating: "Silva is high on Rafa's wish list and Valencia may have to sell as soon as possible because of their financial situation," a source close to Liverpool told Goal.com. Liverpool are said to have made an offer of £15 million along with striker [Andriy] Voronin. However, Real Madrid could also be looking at the midfielder. Silva has often expressed a preference to remain in Spain, but Liverpool scout Eduardo Marcia, who discovered Silva as a youth, could play an influential part in negotiations."

Mascherano eager to see close friend Tevez at Anfield

Transfer Speculation

Javier Mascherano has admitted that he would love to see his close friend Carlos Tevez at Anfield. Recent speculation in the media has suggested that Tevez is contemplating a move from Old Trafford when his loan deal expires this summer. The player himself has confirmed he could be playing for one of United’s rivals next year. Speaking in today’s Telegraph about his Argentinean team mate possibly joining him at Anfield, Mascherano said: "It would be great if Carlos can come here because I know how good he is, but I don't know what the situation with his transfer is. It's something for the manager to talk about. All I can say is that he is a great player and a great person."

Phil Chisnall was the last player to directly transfer between the clubs, but Rafael Benitez is hoping to take advantage of Ferguson's apparent unwillingness to pay the reported £22 million fee agreed with Kia Joorabchian, Tevez's representative, to secure the striker.

The article goes on to say that “Benitez would struggle to compete in a bidding war for Tevez, with just £20 million plus player sales thought to be at his disposal, though the potential departure of Xabi Alonso for Real Madrid would give him a degree of leeway.”

The story also explains other transfer issues that Rafa may be encountering by stating “His transfer plans have already been disrupted by the announcement that Hertha Berlin will not look to sign on-loan striker Andriy Voronin on a permanent basis" Which holds little surprise to any Liverpool fan, most of which have suggested he "has all the skill of a donkey". The German side's failure to reach the Champions League means they will not be taking up the option to buy him and he will be returning to Anfield. 'The Independent' states that Voronin "is now expected to be put up for sale with a £6m price tag" !!!??? Are they talking about the same player?

The report also suggest that Liverpool will be outbid by Madrid in the race to sign Valencia's David Silva. Again, there's very little shock in this revelation. Madrid will be willing to spend big money on dancing ponies if it would lever control away from Barcelona in the La Liga

Rafa’s summer shopping list

Transfer Speculation

The Mirror has given a detailed description of how they see Rafa spending his summer transfer money. The article says:

The Liverpool manager will again be given sizeable funds this summer to make new signings, with more than £25million earmarked by the club's American owners. But Benitez knows he needs to take the final step to title glory, especially given the buys United will inevitably make this summer. So the additional funds will have to come from selling some of his current squad, with the likes of Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena and possibly even Xabi Alonso sacrificed. That will give him almost £50million to spend, but he believes that will still mean him having to be perfect in his dealings. This time he would love to sign Valencia's tricky winger David Silva along with his colleague and Spanish centre half Raul Albiol, who between them would cost the best part of £30m.

The article additionally states "Benitez is also committed to the purchase of Gareth Barry, who he is hoping to land for £10m, and is keen on bringing Portsmouth's Glen Johnson to Anfield for a similar fee. That would be his kitty completely gone, yet Benitez would love the chance to take a swipe at Ferguson by also bidding to make Carlos Tevez the first player to move between Anfield and Old Trafford in more than 40 years."

Another Mirror article speculates that a devastated “Stewart Downing could miss out on his dream £12million switch to Liverpool or Spurs after suffering a broken foot. The England winger will have an operation on Friday to repair the break, sustained against Aston Villa last Saturday, that will keep him out until August at least and with little time to get fit ahead of a big-money transfer.”

Also in the Mirror is a piece claiming “Aston Villa are offering Gareth Barry a huge new deal in a final attempt to keep him out of Liverpool's clutches. Villa boss Martin O'Neill is willing to sanction England midfielder Barry, 28, getting a whopping £65,000-a-week to stay. The star has one year left on his contract at Villa Park and had been widely expected to move to Liverpool this summer. But O'Neill hopes the proposed new deal, plus the lure of regular first team football, the captaincy and offer of a testimonial, will tempt Barry to stay.”

David Silva rumours re-emerge

Transfer speculation

Today’s press have been loaded with speculation that Rafa Benitez has bid for Valencia’s David Silva, with a reported £15 million ‘take it or leave it’ offer tabled for the player. Today’s Telegraph says:

"Benitez spoke with representatives of his former employers in January about Silva’s availability and it is believed a fee in the region of £15 million was provisionally agreed before one Valencia director went public about the deal in an attempt to smoke out interest from Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona. The Liverpool manager immediately withdrew his offer, privately admitting the Anfield side cannot compete financially with Europe’s footballing gentry, and has since insisted in public that he is examining other targets."

Benitez explained the situation to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague last month:

Benitez: "We were in Valencia - our chief scout, Eduardo, was in Valencia, he is from Valencia, and he was talking with different people from the club - and someone was talking too much. So, at this moment, Silva is not a target. He is a good player, but not our target. So, we are, at this moment, just concentrating on the players that we have. And if we are going to look for someone we will not announce it to the press; we will try to do it properly and secretly."

Guillem: "I suppose Valencia were trying to up the value..."

Benitez: "No it was not the club, it was one person at the club who was talking too much."

Guillem: "But it is a club that needs money so I am wondering if..."

Benitez: "No, no, we have a very good relationship with Valencia: with the board, with the people in charge. It was just one person who was talking too much. Things have to be done in the right way and now you know we are not thinking about Silva."

Speculation has however not died down and it is now believed that Benitez will return once more for the Spanish international, who has a close relationship with Benitez’s chief scout, Eduardo Macia. The deal is believed to be dependent on Valencia not dragging Liverpool into an auction for the 23 year old.

The Spanish side is in financial crisis and is believed to be in debt to the tune of £350 million, and are in discussions with a number of banks over an immediate cash injection of £80 million to stave off the threat of administration.