Aquilani is almost ready says Benitez

Alberto Aquilani has been making steady progress under the care and attention of Liverpool's medical staff, and the playmaker is on schedule to begin his Anfield career within two weeks. Speculation had suggested the new number 4 would make his first appearance next week against Sunderland, however a more realistic target is likely to be the Carling Cup clash against Arsenal on October 28. Reds boss Rafa Benitez is delighted with the Italians recovery and hopes Aquilani will take further big strides towards fitness during the international break.

“I have been speaking to the doctors and things are going well with him,” said Benitez in the Echo.

“Alberto is progressing all the time. It could be two to three weeks before he is back.

“But we need to use caution. If it is two weeks everyone will say ‘that is fantastic’ but if it is three, everyone will say it is not a problem. I think that we have to be careful.

“We will take it one step at a time and we have the international break to look forward to now. That will be good for him, as he will have some more time (to recover without missing any games).”

“He is running and swimming – I think he will have the record in the swimming pool by the end of his programme – and he is working in the gym,” said Benitez.

“He is doing almost everything and he is doing some things with the team. The only thing he is not doing is kick a ball – not yet anyway.”

Aquilani set to make debut against Sunderland

Alberto Aquilani is set to make his Liverpool debut next week when the Reds face Sunderland in their next Premier League fixture on the 17th.

Aquilani who has been recovering from ankle surgery has blamed previous club: Roma's medical set up for his spate of frustrating injuries.

He said: "They were always changing doctors over there and there was no continuity, but I have already noticed a big difference here," said Aquilani in the Telegraph.

"From the outset they told me they would not try to rush me back because they did not want to risk a recurrence of the problem.

"I want to put all my injury worries behind me. After spending some time with Liverpool's medical staff I feel I can do that now."

Aquilani will be training in two or three weeks says Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects to have summer signing Alberto Aquilani training before the end of the month. The £18m signing is recuperating well from ankle injury and is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation after resuming work in the gym and swimming pool.

"Aquilani has improved, he has progressed in the way that we expected and now maybe in two or three weeks we will see him training," said Benitez to Sky Sports.

"Then we will see how he progresses, but the last scan he had was very good."

Aquilani making good progress says Benitez

Rafael Benitez has today revealed new signing Alberto Aquilani is making good progress in his recovery from an ankle injury reports the official site. No date has been put on the Italians debut, but the Reds boss says the player is doing well under the expert guidance of Melwood's medical staff.

"Alberto is improving," said Benitez.

"We were talking before about six to eight weeks and after a few weeks his ankle is much better but he will need time.

"He's in the swimming pool and in the gym and working with the physios but he's not jogging yet.

"We cannot put a date on things and it's important to just see how he progresses.

"We are checking on him regularly and he had a scan in the past week which showed he is much better.

"It's just a case of keeping an eye on him every day. When he does start to play everyone will see what a clever player he is."

Aquilani hopes to do the Red shirt proud

New signing Alberto Aquilani has spoken about his desire to get fit and do the Liverpool shirt proud:

“I am really pleased to be here and this is an important occasion for me," said Aquilani in the Echo.

“Liverpool is one of the strongest teams in the world and I’m very happy. I have never played at Anfield but I have heard a lot about the unique atmosphere.

“There is great history here. It’s world famous and not just because of the five European Cups. I grew up in Rome in the years after the (1984) final between Liverpool and Roma.

“I was very much aware of that final and you can’t ignore the huge past this club has.

“To play for a big club like this means a lot to me and I hope to play a very important role.

“The manager knows my characteristics and good points. I want to fulfil all the hope he has and I’m want to stay here for as long as possible.

Aquilani also revealed that playing for Benitez was a key factor in his decision to join the Reds:

“Rafa was the deciding factor for me and I am proud he has chosen me,” he said in the Echo.

“I was very aware of him and appreciated the quality of his work long before this opportunity presented itself. I really like the way the team plays.

“Everyone has helped me so much since I arrived, but especially the manager and (chief scout) Eduardo (Macia).

“They have made me feel at home and made me see how important I am to them.

“I have met some of the players but not many because of the internationals. I know they are going to be great and I won’t have any problems fitting in.”

Aquilani also spoke of his intentions to play for his international team:

"He said I'm coming to play for a very important team and that if I do well here he will definitely call me up. The World Cup is a big objective for me but in order to be there I have to play well for Liverpool.”


“The Premier League is the most difficult league. It’s going to be a high level but I’m very excited.

“Obviously the football here is different to Italian football. It is faster, more athletic and the teams are stronger.


“This is proved by the fact that in the later stages of the Champions League you always see English teams.

“But I don’t think adapting to the Premier League will be a problem for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

“It was a difficult choice to leave Rome,” he said.

“I was born there, I was raised there. I was and still am a fan of the team.

“I knew I would only leave for a club such as Liverpool. This is a life choice for me and it is a good decision for everyone involved.

“I’m grateful to Roma for allowing me to play in Serie A and for the national team and for allowing me to come and play for a team like Liverpool.

“I’m very well aware of the pressure this club is under and the pressure I will be under.

“If you want to play for a big club then you have to be ready for the pressure.

“Now I hope to grow here and do this shirt proud.”

“Riise is a good friend of mine and he has spoken to me a lot about Liverpool, the Kop and the great fans here,” he said.

“He spoke very highly of Rafa Benitez and said he would help me grow as a player.

“I also know Andrea very well from our time together with the national team and he told me I would be in for a fantastic atmosphere here.”

“I’m the kind of midfielder who moves around a lot – combining quality with movement. I’m not a static player.

“I’ve always liked the system they play here and I have long thought of Steven Gerrard as the best midfielder in the world.

“I’m very proud to have the opportunity to play alongside him and I hope I can learn a lot from him.”

“It’s a shame I can’t play straightaway but I’m putting my all into getting better as I cannot wait to start playing for this club,” he added.

“I am doubly happy to be here because the doctors here have diagnosed the problem properly and quickly.

“They know exactly what to do with my ankle and they are confident it can be cured for good.

“At Roma I was starting to do a little bit of training but here the doctors prefer for me to take it easy.

“I don’t really know when I’ll make my debut but hopefully I won’t be out for too much longer.

“I’m here for five years so there is no point rushing it and having to stop again later on.”

The player also gave his reasoning behind picking the number 4 shirt:

"Some of my favoured numbers were already taken and No.4 in Italy is considered to be a midfielder's number, which is why I went for it. I don't like high numbers that have no meaning," said the player to the Official site.

Benitez says Aquilani has the quality to win matches

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has spoken about his delight at signing Alberto Aquilani, revealing he had been following the Italian international for some time. Speaking at the press conference to reveal Aquilani to the media, Benitez said:

“Aquilani is a player we have been monitoring for a long time,” said Benitez in the Echo.

“He’s a clever player, he can pass the ball quickly and can play one touch with good vision.

“Alonso would drop off to receive the ball but Aquilani is more offensive and is a player with more mobility. He is very good at getting into the box and scoring goals.

“He can play as a second striker if necessary, but his best position will be between Gerrard and Mascherano – or between Lucas and Gerrard.

“The difference between draws and victories is a little bit of quality and we believe Aquilani is this type of player.”

Speaking about Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid, the Reds boss said:

“We heard some rumours about contact between his agent and Real Madrid on April 30,” he said.

“Then on May 15 the agent said he was coming to see us to talk about Xabi’s future. He had three years left on his contract so it was clear Xabi was leaving.

“Since that day we worked hard to keep the player but it was impossible so we were trying to get the best price for the club.

“When we knew Xabi was leaving we started looking to find a replacement with quality and we believe Aquilani is what we are looking for.”

Centre-backs Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel are expected to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League opener but it is still unclear if captain Steven Gerrard will recover from the tight groin that forced him to withdraw from the friendly against Holland.

Benitez added: “Carra has been working with the physios and we think he’ll be available
“It’s more difficult for Agger but Skrtel has trained and hopefully he will be fit.

“I’m not sure about Gerrard – it depends how he progresses over the next few days.

“If the game had been on Saturday it would be difficult but because it’s on Sunday he could have a chance.

Benitez talks about new signing Aquilani

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has spoken about his new No.4: Alberto Aquilani and his plans for the midfielder. The Reds boss revealed he doesn't see him as a direct replacement for Alonso because he expects to play him higher up the pitch:

"Xabi is a holding midfielder that can play long. He (Aquilani) is a player with more mobility, playing a little bit higher," said Benitez to the official site.

"He can pass the ball and keep getting into the box."

"We have Mascherano and Lucas Leiva both playing really well, with Gerrard in front. He can play instead of any of them."

"He can play as second striker if necessary, but his best position will be between Gerrard and Mascherano - or between Lucas and Gerrard."

Rafa also dismissed any injury concerns for the player:

"We knew that he had some problems. We think that we can improve him and keep him fit. We are 100 per cent confident he will be okay.

"Since the first day he was here with the physios, he was in the gym and the swimming pool, training and working really hard to be fit as soon as possible."

Aquilani's first LFC interview!

New signing Alberto Aquilan has given his firs interview since joining the Reds and has revealed ex Kop star John Arne Riise helped him decide to join the Anfield outfit:

"Obviously I am a friend of Riise's and he's spoken a lot about Liverpool to me," he said to the official site.

"I've spoken to him about the Kop and the great fans and I can't wait to start.

"I have never played at Anfield but I have heard a lot about the unique atmosphere you breathe there.

"Rafa Benitez was very important in me coming here. Riise spoke very well of him and said he could help me grow as a player.

"I was already aware and appreciated his work even before the opportunity arose to come here. I like the way the team plays and certainly it was a deciding factor.

"I'm very proud Rafa chose me. I also want to thank (chief scout) Eduardo Macia, who was very important."

Aquilai Also revealed that he cant wait to play alongside Torres and Gerrard, whom he has called 'the best midfielder in the world'.

"I am very much looking forward to playing with players of that kind," said Aquilani. "It's a team of good players and has been for some years now. I have always liked the system of play here and the players. Even before coming here I thought Gerrard was the strongest midfielder in the world.

"I am very proud that I will be playing alongside him and I hope I can learn from him." Aquilani says he's confident he can put his injury worries behind him and cant wait to test his skills in the Premier League.

"When I came here I knew about the problem with my ankle," he said. "I was seen by doctors and the doctor here has highlighted exactly the problem I have and said it can be fixed. He has a very good picture of the injury.

"I am here for the long term and I'm hopeful the problem will be cured for good. "Obviously I want to get playing as soon as possible and I don't think that will be a problem. Obviously it's a different type of league to Italy but I don't think that will be a problem either.

"I think the Premier League is the most difficult. It's one of the best leagues and there are some very important teams here. It's a very difficult level but I'm very excited to be playing here.

"We're definitely one of the candidates to win the Premier League.

"It's a shame I can't play straight away but I am putting my all into getting better and I can't wait." Aquilani's arrival followed the departure to Real Madrid of Xabi Alonso. Though keen to highlight his different characteristics, the 25-year-old does hope to have a similar impact at Anfield as his Spanish counterpart.

"I hope I am going to play an important role," he said. "The manager obviously knows my characteristics and strong points and I hope to be able to fulfil all the hope he has in me.

"I am the kind of midfielder who moves around a lot. I try to combine quality with movement. I am not a static player - I move around a lot and I think this is one of my strengths.

"Xabi was very important here and I'm not his natural substitute. I don't have the exact same characteristics he has. He was very important here and I hope I can be similarly important."

Meanwhile, Aquilani also revealed his knowledge of the Reds stems from the 1984 European cup final against his previous club AS Roma.

"Everyone knows a lot about the history of Liverpool. It's world famous and not just because they have won five European Cups. I grew up in Rome and the final with Roma was something I was very much aware of. You can't ignore the huge past this club has.

"I am very pleased. This is an important occasion for me. I'm here at a big club and I'm very happy to be here.

"I say this because Liverpool is among the strongest in the world with very important history." Aquilani also spoke about his decision to leave his boyhood club behind - and his belief that moving to England will boost his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad.

The Italian international also spoke about leaving his boyhood team for the Reds.

"It was a very important decision and a difficult one because I was born and grew up in Rome," he said. "I was and I am a fan of that team, so this is a life choice for me. I think it was a good decision for everyone involved. I am very grateful to Roma for allowing me to play in Serie A and the national team, and for allowing me to come and play for a team like Liverpool.

"I spoke to (national manager) Marcelo Lippi before coming here and he reassured me it definitely wouldn't be a problem. The World Cup is very big for me and I'll do my best to get there, but to do that I have to play well here. It's definitely an advantage for me being here."

Skrtel’s return gives Rafa injury boost

Martin Skrtel looks set to join Jamie Carragher in the centre of defence in this Sunday’s Premier league opener against Spurs, after making a successful comeback from injury earlier today.

The Slovakian defender took part in a behind closed doors friendly against Oldham at the Academy, in a 2-0 win that saw Lucas and Daniel Ayala hit the back of the net.

Skrtel has been out of action since picking up a hamstring injury against Thailand last month, and his return to action will come as a massive boost to the Reds ahead of the season opener.

New signing Alberto Aquilani who will be officially paraded as a Liverpool player later this week watched the friendly sitting alongside manager Rafael Benitez.

Aquilani is Fab says England boss Capello

England coach Fabio Capello believes Alberto Aquilani as the perfect replacement at Liverpool for Xabi Alonso. Speaking in the Star about the Reds new signing from Italy, the England manager said: “I know Aquilani very well as I gave him his first game at Roma," he said in the Star.

Capello' who managed Roma for 5 years gave then 18-year-old Aquilani his debut in Serie A in May 2003 against Torino.

“He’s a really interesting player and, at 25, this is a good moment for him to move from Italy to England. His style of play is the same as Alonso’s,” added the England boss

Lucas will fill the void

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes Lucas Leiva has what it takes to fill the void left by the departing Xabi Alonso and the 4-8 week wait for new signing Alberto Aquilani to recover from injury. Lucas was not a favourite last term, however the young Brazilian has shown consistently solid performances throughout the pre season games and Benitez feels it may be time for midfielder to step up to the plate and grasp the opportunity with both hands.

"Lucas has been best the player in pre-season. He showed why again against Atletico. He is really focused, working hard and is showing quality," said Benitez in the Independent.

"He knows Aquilani will need time. When we decided to bring in Aquilani we knew he would be out for one month or so, so we analysed the squad and we think that with Javier Mascherano, Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Damien Plessis we have enough (strength in depth)," added the Liverpool manager.

Lucas may be turning the nay sayer's with his series of impressive displays including a rave review from our very own contributor: 'The Main (Stand) Man'. Yesterday he began his series of positives to take into the new season with his assessment of the 22-year-old Brazilian which can be read here.

Lucas himself appears ready to take his great run into the new season: "I am always ready and now Xabi is gone I hope there will be more opportunities for me," he said.

"I am just working hard in training to try to earn a position in the team."

"I have played a lot of minutes in pre-season and that has given me more confidence. I am feeling better and hopefully it will be a good season for me."

Lucas added: "I want to play every week but I know Liverpool have a strong squad. I just have to wait and respect whatever decisions 'Rafa' makes."

He added: "Everyone was really sad to see Xabi go because he had been here a long time."

"Last season he was one of the club's best players but he has a plan for himself and his career. We have to respect that."

"We will continue to support him because he is a friend of ours. I hope he does well at Real and I am sure he hopes we continue to do well here."

"We will miss him of course but I think we can cope without him. We did not play all the games last season with Xabi, and still finished runners-up."

"He is a really good player but we also have a lot of other quality players here."

Lucas adds in the Echo: “Of course I was happy to score against Atletico, although I would rather the team have won the game instead of me getting the goal.”

“But it was good for me to start and end the pre-season well. I am doing extra work to put some weight and strength on and now I am just focussed on the season."

“Sometimes I hear things said about me, but to be honest I don't care too much. I only care about the team and the squad.

“Now I have to focus on the forthcoming season and continue to work hard and improve."

“I will try to prove I have the quality to be in the team and hopefully help Liverpool win the title.”

“We still have to improve a lot, but we can feel our fitness is getting better,” he said.

“Now, some players will go to play internationals, while the others will keep training at Melwood, but we will be ready for the beginning of the season."

“We will be looking to win at Tottenham. We know the first game is very important and we have to start the season well because our title rivals will not make it easy for us.”

Aquilani completes move to Reds in a 5-year deal.

Alberto Aquilani has finalised his move from Roma to Liverpool football club. The midfielder completed what the Telegraph called a “a stringent medical” last night and signed with The Reds. The club released an official statement confirming the deal, saying:

“Alberto Aquilani has successfully completed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with the club. 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.”

Aquilani who flew into Heathrow on Thursday night before travelling up to Liverpool for the medical said upon arrival at the airport:

“Obviously I feel very sorry to leave my city and Roma,” said Aquilani.

“It would be fantastic to play with players like Gerrard and Torres and the others. Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world,” reports the Star.

There have been concerns about the Italian internationals fitness after the 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury in his last appearance for Roma, during their Champions League defeat against Arsenal in March. The player underwent surgery in May. It is understood that Aquilani has since undergone part of his rehabilitation at the Hammers with the Independent reporting: "he was sent to West Ham to recuperate, where Gianfranco Zola has taken some of the best medical staff in Italy to work," with Marco Cesarini, formerly of Brescia treating Aquilani.

The players father Claudio has been a key player in the direction of his carer was also understood to have has joined his son for the trip to merseyside. Signing Aquilani is a coup in football terms for Benitez because he is one of three Roma players in the team, who come from the city and have progressed through the youth ranks. Aquilani comes from the city's Monte Sacro district and his connections with the club runs deep.

Claudio Ranieri's Chelsea tried to sign the young Aquilani when he was only 16, after he played in the Viareggio youth tournament in 2001, however "Aquilani's father Claudio refused to allow his son to be sold," reports the story.

The player has signed a five year deal with the Reds, which the Guardian claims is: "worth £85,000 a week." The fee for Aquilani has not been officially released by either club, but newspapers have priced the deal anywhere between £15-20 million depending upon which article you read.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has said that Aquilai will "excite the fans," and with his recovery set between 4-8 weeks the playmaker could be fit to do just that when the Reds face Burnley in the Premiership next month.

Rafa: Aquilani will excite the fans

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has spoken with delight at the impending arrival of midfielder Alberto Aquilani. The Italian who won player of the tournament at the European Under-19 championship in 2003 will arrive for his medical imminently and the Reds boss is overjoyed with his capture.

“Alberto is a player with the quality we are looking for," reports the Echo.

“He can play a little bit higher than Javier Mascherano – maybe between him and Steven Gerrard. He has good passing – the final ball is good – and he works."

“If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition. Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League. He has long been recognised as a top class talent."

"The signing should excite the fans. He won the Under-19 European Championship with his country, and Under-21 too. He has some trophies – including the Italian Cup."

"I always remember one game – England versus Italy Under-21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."

Ex Red Riise says Aquilani is more dangerous then Alonso

Ex Liverpool player John Arne Riise thinks Liverpool's capture of talented midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a major coup for the Anfield club, claiming he could be more dangerous to opposition teams then recently departed Xabi Alonso.

Riise who joined Roma last summer after seven years with the Reds is well placed to assess just what Aquilani will bring to Liverpool.

“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani,” said Riise to the Express.

“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.”

“There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues,” said Riise. “Here it is more tactical whereas in England you’re playing 90 minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on power and physical force. But Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t all about physique and he has been the best player in the Premier League in recent seasons."

“Everyone can adapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky. I fitted in quite quickly when I came from Monaco. Alberto is someone who wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, so if Liverpool come in for you it is very hard to say no.”

Riise also spoke about Livepool's upcoming Premiership campaign and the Norwegian international believes it could be the Anfield clubs time to win.

“Last season I was so sure they would do it. They made a fantastic start but drew some games and United got stronger,” said Riise. “I really hope they can do it this time. Xabi and Alvaro Arbeloa leaving is a shame, but Glen Johnson is a brilliant signing."

“All the Premier League games are shown on Sky Italia, and I managed to watch every Liverpool game last season. The club is in my heart. I had all my highlights at Liverpool. I still speak with Stevie [Gerrard] and Carra [Jamie Carragher], as well as Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt."

“The first months for me at Roma were hard, learning a new language and settling in, but I am happy here and enjoying it. We can have a really good season and I hope Liverpool can, too.”

Aquilani in action!

Welcome Alberto Aquilani!! Here's an awesome video of the man in action:

Thanks to ‘Milankakabaros Films’ for the movie

Liverpool agree deal for Roma's Aquilani

Liverpool FC has confirmed a deal with AS Roma for the transfer of Italian international Alberto Aquilani, has been agreed, subject to a medical.

“The Reds concluded their discussions with Roma once the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid was finally agreed,” says a statement on the official web site.

Aquilani, who recently celebrated his 25th birthday, is expected to be a direct replacement for Alonso who earlier today successfully passed his medical at the Bernabeu club.

Rafa Benitez speaking on the official web site said: "Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer. He will travel to Merseyside later this week for a medical. Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League."

"He has long been recognised as a top class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under 19 and Under 21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side."

Roma legend says Reds target Aquilani will do well at Liverpool

Roma great Giuseppe Giannini believes possible Xabi Alonso replacement, Alberto Aquilani would be a success at Anfield should the Spanish midfielders move to Real Madrid be finalised.

"Aquilani would do well at Liverpool," said Giannini to the Telegraph.

"He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani."

"He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about."
"I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani. I think his future will be in the Premier League."

Roma midfielder Aquilani set to replace Alonso

A number of Sunday papers are reporting that Liverpool are in talks with Roma over the signing of midfielder Alberto Aquilani who will replace Xabi Alonso should his move to Real Madrid be completed. The Mirror reports the deal as almost done, claiming: “the Merseysiders were last night on the verge of completing a £20million swoop for 25year-old Italy star Aquilani.” The article suggest the player has been under Rafa’s watchful eye for some time: “Liverpool boss Benitez has been monitoring the midfielder since the European Under-21 Championship two years ago.”

The Star is also running the story claiming: “The fee for Aquilani, 25, is expected to be £18m,” and goes on to say: “Aquilani has always been Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s first choice in the event of Alonso leaving.” Although the players agent has recently called such a move ‘laughable,’ the cash strapped club may have a different view on the subject and Benitez “is aware that Roma need to make a significant sale to ease their financial problems,” says the story. Aquilani who is under contract in Rome until 2013, “had an ankle problem last season, which could make signing him something of a gamble. But when fit, he is regarded as one of the top midfielders in Europe.”

Fellow Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has admitted it would be a major blow for Roma if Alberto Aquilani joins Liverpool, although he acknowledge it would be a good move for the midfielder.

He believes the club may regret selling the player however, De Rossi understands why his team-mate might be tempted to go to Liverpool admitting he would be able to improve by playing alongside the best midfielder in the world.

"I don't know the details and I don't know if the deal is real," reports Sky Sports.

"If it's as it's written in the papers, we will lose a great player.”

"His many injuries have maybe meant that he's been forgotten about a bit, but I am sure that if he leaves we will regret it.”

"He's a footballer with exceptional skill and above all he grew up in Roma's academy and has a love for this shirt that you cannot buy.”

"But if you think about his career I think it would be a good opportunity, he would grow a lot by being close to the best midfielder in the world - Steven Gerrard.”

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.