Transfer Speculation: Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann

Liverpool and Manchester are "battling it out" to sign "wonderkid" Antoine Griezmann, reports the Guardian. The 18 year old French left winger has shown impressive form for Real Sociedad this season, scoring once for the Segunda División side against SD Huesca.

Transfer Speculation: Robben, Babel

Arjen Robben
"Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is believed to have stepped up his interest in Arjen Robben, after the Real Madrid player was reportedly offered to Manchester United," claims the Mail.

“The Spaniard has long been an admirer of the winger, and could go head-to-head with his bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson over the player's signature,” says the story.

The Dutch international who is believed to be out of favour at Real Madrid, is looking to return to the Premiership has been valued at around “£18 million.”

Ryan Babel
Rafa is still hoping the American owners will still make more funds available but could also raise further cash through the sale of Ryan Babel. “Benitez is believed to be losing patience with the youngster, and a bid of around £8 million might tempt the club to sell the underperforming winger to fund a move for Robben,” says the story.

“Benitez is believed to have been a long-term admirer of Robben's ability, and Madrid even considered offering the Dutchman as part of the deal for Alonso as they attempted to sign the midfielder earlier this month. Benitez, however, will be confident of persuading Robben to join him at Anfield, and may see him as the world-class winger he has been looking for, at a price more affordable than previous targets David Silva and Franck Ribery,” speculates the story.

Hibernian defender Bamba claims Reds want to sign him

Hibernian defender Souleymane Bamba claims Liverpool are one of three clubs that want to sign him. The Ivory Coast international has also announced that French clubs Lorient and Grenoble are admirers.
Bamba said in the Daily Record:

"I've been told by my agent there has been a lot of interest in me in the summer.

"Liverpool, Lorient and Grenoble are all following me and obviously it's flattering.

"Any player would be attracted to a club of Liverpool's size but I can't think too much about that until there is a concrete offer from them."

"I don't know if there has been any contact with Hibs and these clubs and I'm not focusing on it.

"The only thing I'm focused on is playing against Falkirk on Saturday. I've got two years left on my contract at Hibs and I'm very happy at the club. But I also know that things can change very quickly in football and if an offer did come in then I'd have something to think about."

Newspaper claims Reds £15m bid for Upson stopped by LFC's bank

Today's Telegraph claims a proposed move by Liverpool to sign Matthew Upson from West Ham United for up to £15 million has collapsed because the Anfield club's bankers are concerned about the scale of the fee.

The highly unlikely article goes on to claim that "West Ham have been prepared to sell Upson, who has two years left on his present contract, if their valuation of £15 million for the central defender is met."

The story also states: "The failure to sign the 30-year-old England international is believed to have been one source of the frustration being felt by Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez."

"Liverpool's interest comes as a major surprise given the size of fee and the age of the player," says the story.

However it is highly unlikely Benitez would pay £15 million for a 30-year-old defender with two years left on his contract no matter how urgent his defensive injury concerns are.

The story by 'Jason Burt Deputy Football Correspondent,' then goes on to highlight the Reds defensive problems and the clubs so called 'cash crisis'. His story also says:

"The Liverpool manager has now agreed a £2 million deal to sign the Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens."

However the 'Deputy Football Correspondent' then appears to contradict his own words by stating the club has a lack of defensive cover:

"The Merseyside club face a lack of defensive cover with both Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger out, while Sami Hyypia, is yet to be replaced after joining German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in May."

Clearly the writer fails to understand that Greek defender Kyrgiakos will be Hyypia's replacement. I think it's safe to say that the story should be filed under 'B' for bollicks.

Transfer Speculation: Albert Riera

Albert Riera

Today there is speculation in the press linking Liverpool winger Albert Riera with Barcelona. The papers claim the Nou Camp club have moved their interest from Mascherano to the Spanish winger who was rested for the Reds opening game against Spurs yesterday. The story says:

"Barcelona's sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, admits the club may not make any more moves in the transfer market, despite his coach's belief that the squad is too small. The European champions have all but given up on bringing Arsenal's Cesc Fábregas back to Camp Nou and speculation is rife that they have switched their attention to the Liverpool winger Albert Riera," says the Guardian.

The article adds: "The former Espanyol player is the latest in a long list to be linked to Barça, who have signed only Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer."

The story however fails to provide further evidence to support their claim, offering no quote by any Barcelona official expressing interest in the player.

Transfer Speculation: Shawcross

Ryan Shawcross

Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham are all chasing Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross, reports Sky Sports. Assured displays from the talented young centre-half was key to Tony Pulis' side water tite defence. Liverpool are believed to be in the market for a British alternative to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. "Hull City's Michael Turner is known to be a target but Rafa Benitez could instead opt for Shawcross given the Tigers' prohibitive valuation of their player," says the story

Transfer Speculation: Honda

Keisuke Honda

Following on from yesterday's 'Transfer Speculation', VVV Venlo and Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda has claimed Liverpool are interested in signing him, reports the Post.

"I was told before the match that a scout from Liverpool had come," Honda said, two days after scoring twice in promoted Venlo's 2-2 draw with ADO Den Haag.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," said VVV Venlo chairman Hai Berden said, adding two of England's top five clubs were among them.

"We hear that Liverpool scouts have been following Honda since last season while top Dutch clubs also watched him," Taishi Takahatake, head of Honda's management firm Balance Inc., told AFP.

"But there has been no formal offer. His Dutch agent is in charge of any deal and we will wait and see until the transfer window closes at the end of the month," he said.

The 23-year-old Japanese International, has already scored three goals in the first two games of the new season and was the winner of the MVP award in the second division last season. Honda played four seasons with J-League Nagoya Grampus before joining Venlo. He has scored 21 goals in 52 games for the club and is known for his physical toughness and free-kick skills. Honda has also scored one goal in six games for Japan since making his international debut in June 2008 during World Cup qualifiers.

Transfer Speculation: Niko Kranjcar

Niko Kranjcar
Today’s speculation suggests the Reds Boss is looking for re-enforcements in midfield and is eyeing up a possible move for 24-year-old Portsmouth and Croatian international.

The Guardian reports: “Rafa Benítez continues to trawl through the depths of the Premier League in search of little-heralded gems. The latest to take his fancy is Portsmouth's Niko Kranjcar, whom he's confident of landing for £7m.”

Transfer Speculation: Honda, Shawcross

Keisuke Honda

The chairman for Dutch side 'VVV Venlo' has revealed several top European clubs have expressed their interest in signing midfielder Keisuke Honda.

Hai Berden said: "Honda, who was Eerste Divisie's Most Valuable Player last year, has started life in the Eredivisie in style with three goals in his first two games," reports Sky Sports.

"A number of top clubs are interested in Honda. Some of them are participating in the Champions League this year," Berden told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.

"Liverpool scouts have been watching Honda this term and the 23-year-old admitted he would not hesitate to move to England if the opportunity arose," reports the story.

"Playing in a league as prestige as the Premiership would be a dream," he said earlier in the year.

"I would seriously consider any offers that come my way."

Ryan Shawcross

Rafa Benitez has reportedly turned his attention to the Stoke City defender, following the £12 million evaluation of Hull central defender Michael Turner, reports the Telegraph. "Benitez is reported to be considering a £5 million bid for the 21 year-old Stoke centre-back," says the story. The Reds manager is also still interested in Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin, which has been speculated upon a number of times throughout the summer.

Transfer Speculation: Lucas Leiva, Nicky Butt

Todays transfer gossip brings delight and misery in equal measure.

Lucas Leiva

The Liverpool midfielder is the subject of frustration with most Liverpool fans, who's displays have not exactly excited the hearts and minds of Kopites. The player has occasionally shown the skills which merits manager Rafa Benitez's faith in him, and has exhibited good displays in the pre season fixtures. However there are rumbles in the press indicating that the Brazilian under 21 captain wants to move away from the Anfield club back to his homeland. This story has been given the typical spin and is being reported as: 'another midfield departure that will give Benitez further headaches' type of story. However it shows how little the press understand. Most Liverpoodlians would actually cheer the departure of the young midfielder who speaking recently said:

"You have to see what Benitez has planned but the president of Corinthians already knows I am interested and what I want," Lucas said in the Telegraph.

Nicky Butt
The ex Manchester United player, know playing for relegated Newcastle United, is apparently on Rafa's summer shopping list. It's hard to see an ounce of truth in this story, as a young child would see the short comings of such a purchase, however the Guardian presumably thinking its readers have lost their mind's, chips in with: "Barcelona poised to finally land Javier Mascherano, Anfield's supremo only wants to replace him with Nicky Butt!" No other quote is attributed to the ludicrous claim by the newspaper.

This story would of course contradict Javier Mascherano's own words spoken today, where he proclaims he will be ready to face Tottenham when the season starts. The red midfield enforcer speaking to the official site said:

"Maybe I need a little bit more work because I arrived back when my teammates had already been back 10 days, but I will be in a good position by the start of the new season,"

"We didn't do well against Espanyol so it was important to win. It's pre-season but we knew we had to improve because in 10 days we start the Premier League," he continued.

"There are a lot of positive things to take from this game, like a clean sheet. We know we still have to improve but we are happy and now we have one more game to improve even more.

"After Saturday's game against Atletico we'll have seven days to get in top condition for the Premier League."

...Hardly the words of a player departing for Barcelona

Reds close in on Juventus midfielder Poulsen

Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, reports Sky Sports.

The Italian club have apparently granted the Denmark international permission to leave and a number of sides have been linked with the 29-year-old defensive midfielder, including Fulham and Everton. The Danish Player of the Year for 2005 and 2006 only joined Juventus last July in a € 9.75M deal.

“But it is believed that Rafa Benitez's Liverpool are in pole position to secure Poulsen's signature,” says the story.

Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour on Rafa's list to replace Alonso

Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour has joined Roma’s Alberto Aquilani on the list of possible candidates to replace Xabi Alonso. A figure of £18 has been mooted for the 21-year-old Belgian international who is also ironically wanted by Real Madrid if the Alonso deal falls through.

The player who gave an interview to Spanish paper ‘Marca’ with the headline “I can be just as good as Xabi Alonso,” says the English and Spanish leagues are the best in the world, but revealed his abilities would be better suited to the Premiership.

Defour, who is under contract until 2013, said: ‘I have an agreement with Standard Liege that I could go to a top club, and Liverpool fit the bill,’ reports the Mail.

The midfield’s agent Paul Stefani also revealed the Reds have shown an interest in signing Defour:

“Steven's name has been mentioned not only at Real Madrid, but also at Liverpool - they are looking at him too.”

“Normally he would stay for another year, but nobody could say no to clubs like those - and Liege would not stand in his way.”

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: Dossena, Aquilani, Cattermole, Turner

Andrea Dossena

The Italian left-back’s move to Napoli is being held up by his wage demands claim a number of papers. Liverpool have agreed a fee of around £4m - £4.5m depending which story you read, however personal terms are proving to be a stumbling block for the 27-year-old Italian international say the story’s. Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino is planning further talks with Dossena in a bid to find a resolution.

He said: “We have taken a break in order to reflect on this. The move is on hold. There are no immediate prospects.

“The president has spoken to Rafael Benitez and there is some distance between us and the player. But I wouldn’t worry too much.”

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who has been linked with practically every Liverpool target this summer is ready to ‘move for the Liverpool outcast’ should the Napoli deal stall, claims the laughable speculative story from the Mail.

Alberto Aquilani

“Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani following Xabi Alonso stunning the club by handing in a transfer request,” claims the Mail. The midfielder is said to favour staying with his current team Roma, but the club will listen to offers.

Lee Cattermole
Today’s Mail appears to resemble the funny pages with its speculative football transfer stories. The paper claims a Liverpool bid of “£12m” bid the Wigan midfielder “will test the resolve” of the club, humorously adding “not to mention the patience of Liverpool fans.”

Michael Turner
The Mail also claims Liverpool are chasing Hull City defender Michael Turner “because he is English and young.”

The paper also says Tottenham (surprise, surprise) are also interested, “but Liverpool want him to boost their English Champions League contingent and that will be difficult to reject,” says the story. Liverpool will make a £5.5m bid for the player or ‘player plus cash deal,’ depending on which speculative story you read.

Carragher call for an end to Alonso’s uncertainty as Real up their bid to £30m

Liverpool’s stand in Captain for the clubs Far East tour Jamie Carragher has called for an end to the speculation surrounding midfielder Xabi Alonso. Speaking following the Reds 1-1 draw against Thailand in Bangkok yesterday, the defender said:

"The feeling within the squad, he is a top player and you do not want to lose your top players and hopefully it can be sorted out as quickly as possible," reports Sky Sports.

"If the club thinks it is in the best interests of the club sometimes you have to do what is in the best interests of the club.”

"But that's a personal matter for the manager and the club. We all go through these situations - well hopefully not me - and as I said, I just hope it gets sorted out sooner rather than later."

Meanwhile the Mail claims Real Madrid have raised their offer to £30million for the Liverpool midfielder.

“Sources in Spain say Liverpool have relented following the significantly improved bid,” says the story.

“The Reds will hold out for a little bit more, but are said to be willing to negotiate.”

“Alonso has made his feelings to known to Benitez and, meanwhile, Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has been in talks with Madrid.”

“The Spain star sat out Liverpool's friendly against Thailand on Wednesday but his representatives said there was nothing suspicious about his absence and that Alonso was suffering with a sprained ankle,” states the article.

Alonso himself was non-committal at a public appearance in Bangkok, when asked if he would remain at Liverpool, Alonso replied: "It's difficult to give any guarantees. For now, I'm just enjoying myself in Thailand."

Transfer Speculation: Aquilani, Sama, Sissoko, Negredo, Ayala

Alberto Aquilani
“Roma claim that Liverpool want to snap up midfielder Alberto Aquilani,” says the Mirror, but then offers no quote from Roma that would re-affirm the claim. The story goes on to say that “Italy star Aquilani, who is recovering from ankle surgery, would not come cheap.” The club which is experiencing financial problems “are expected to demand more than £18m after tying down the 25-year-old with a four-year contract just two months ago,” says the story.

Stephen Sama
Liverpool have signed Borussia Dortmund’s Stephen Sama on a two-year deal says the Mirror. The Reds moved to land Sama before the German club could secure the 16-year-old on a professional deal. The highly-rated defender is a regular in Germany’s Under-17 side.

Moussa Sissoko
Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko has drawn interest from Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. The 19-year-old Ligue 1 midfielder is highly rated but insists remains in the dark about any transfer talk.

He said: "I am flattered by those links, but, to be honest, president (Olivier) Sadran never said anything to me yet about any bid.
"For me, I will play for Toulouse until something is said to me. I am happy here and going abroad is not in my mind yet," report Sky Sports.

Alvaro Negredo
“Negredo's agent, Alejandro Camano, claims Premier League clubs have moved for the striker, but that no deal has been concluded with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit,” reports Sky Sports.
Negredo ihas been linked with Liverpool and Spurs
"We have had several offers from the Premier League, but no deal has been finalised and we are still studying which is the best option for the player," said Camano
"But also there are clubs in Spain who are interested," reorts Sky Sports.

Daniel Sanchez Ayala
Liverpool are ready to reward young defender Daniel Sanchez Ayala with a new deal, reports Sky Sports. Sanchez Ayala joined Liverpool at the start of 2007/08 from Sevilla.
18-year-old Sanchez Ayala is highly rated by the coaching staff, but has yet to make his first-team debut. However the reserves regular has featured in Liverpool's first two pre-season friendlies this summer. Reds boss Rafa Benitez is understood to be a “big admirer of the central defender and is keen to tie him to a new long-term contract,” says the story.

Alonso unwilling to end speculation at Thailand fan event

Xabi Alonso’s future has been clouded by speculation all summer and the player himself has been unwilling to stop any rumours with a series of un-committal answers. Appearing at an Adidas promotion in the CentralWorld shopping complex in Bangkok, Alonso greeted the crowd with “SAWATDEE THAILAND,” a term which ironically means ‘hello’, as well as ‘goodbye’. Thousands of fans waited to greet the Liverpool midfielder who was also joined by team-mates Albert Riera, Jay Spearing and David Ngog, but there was no doubt about who they fans had come to see as deafening chants “Xabi” filled the shopping complex.

Inevitably the first question was regarding his future and came from the Thai master of ceremonies.

“Xabi everyone loves you so much, would you please stay?”

“Alonso shuffled nervously and his reply was hardly reassuring,” claims the Echo.

“It is difficult to give any guarantees,” he said.

“For now I am just enjoying myself in Thailand and it is great to see so much support,” offered Alonso, hardly nullifying the speculation.

The MC then told Alonso he was “the most influential midfielder in the whole of Liverpool.”

“But still there was no cast iron guarantees about his future,” says the story.

“Alonso wouldn’t elaborate further on the ongoing summer transfer saga but there appears to be little doubt that he has his heart set on a move to Madrid,” states the article.

Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has again spoken about Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports following Madrid’s win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday, he said

"All we know is that he is a very good player. We don't know what is happening with him."

"He is now a player with Liverpool, so we will see what will happen in the future."

Clearly not realising that he had already shot his mouth off about the Liverpool midfielder, he added:

"He is a very good player. But I cannot speak about players who are not at Real Madrid now."

Hot on heals of his quotes, comes the story from one British tabloid that claims Chelsea and Manchester City are both attempting to “hijack” any deal with Real. Both clubs “have made contact with Alonso’s agent to sound out if he would be interested in joining them,” claims the Star. The story speculates an offer of “£28m” will surpass Real’s “second bid of £25m which Liverpool turned down a month ago.” The story does not quote from either club or the usual ‘insider’ that is normally attributed to such stories.

Mascherano’s agent claims the player has grown tired of life in England

Javier Mascherano agent Walter Tamer claims the Liverpool midfielder is keen to move to Spain as he has grown 'tired of life in England'.

The Argentina International has been the subject of much press speculation in Argentinean, British and Spanish press with clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly interested in securing the Red enforcer. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made it clear that he is no intention of letting the player leave the club, saying £50 million would not be enough to part with the fan favourite.

However, Mascherano’s representative, Walter Tamer, has claimed the 25-year-old has grown unsettled in the Premier League and is eager to move abroad, reports Sky Sports.

Tamer quoted at Argentinean website Infobae.com stated:

"Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.”

"His wife has not been given a permanent visa. She has to go through an odyssey each time she wants to go.

"Liverpool refuse to sell, this can be overcome with an extraordinary offer."

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.