Liverpool must be more clinical at Tottenham says Benitez

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is demanding his side be more clinical in front of goal. The Reds visit White Hart lane tomorrow to launch their Premiership game, but Benitez is mindful of last season fixture with the Reds dominating the game but ultimately loosing the match:

“I remember the game at Tottenham very well and it was maybe one of our best away performances last season,” he said in the Echo.

“We lost but the face of Harry Redknapp at the end of the game said it all for me.

“It was a pity because it was a very good game, but you must learn from matches like this.

“When you have chances you have to finish teams off.

“Maybe if there is something we can improve on this season it is to be more clinical.”

Andrea Dossena has been linked with a move back to Italy, but for the time being he is still a Liverpool player and Benitez insists having two players competing for the same position can only be positive for the team.

“Both Dossena and Insua are competing hard for the position and that’s good for us,” Benitez added.

“We had some clubs asking about Dossena but at the moment he’s still with us and he’s our player.

“He has trained really well and we are really pleased with him.”

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres yesterday put pen to paper keeping him at the club until 2013 and Benitez is clearly delighted one of the best forward in the world has committed to the club.

“Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club.

“He’s a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game.”

Dossena Napoli move at a standstill

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena has repeatedly been linked with a move away from the club, with Italy believed to be his desired destination. A deal with Napoli was reported to be almost complete, but has believed to have stalled because of the players wage demands. Last week, the Italian international had claimed he was "waiting for a better contract offer." But the player's agent Federico Pastorello, now says the deal may have fallen through.

"With the directors of Napoli I have not had contact for ten days, it is logical to think that when we have not spoken for so long, the negotiations is defined as over," he told Italian football site Pianeta Azzurro.

"When you want a player, certain steps have to be taken that have not been made here. Obviously, they have a different objective or have decided to forgo the purchase of an outside left [defender]."

"We had spoken to the Rossoneri a long time ago, but they have not shown any interest in the player."

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.

Liverpool accept Napoli bid for Dossena

Andrea Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio claims that Liverpool have accepted an offer from Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis reports Sky Sports. Reports suggest the offer is in the region of 5million euros (£4.3m). Dossena has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League following his move from Udinese, but will be remembered for his goals against Real Madrid and Manchester United.

"Liverpool have accepted (Napoli chairman) Aurelio De Laurentiis' offer," La Florio told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"It's now just a matter of days. The two clubs are in agreement, Liverpool accepted Napoli's offer but I can't say any more.”

"With regards to Andrea there are no problems, it's only a matter of days. As soon as Napoli call us, we will finalise it."

Dossena wants Napoli move

Andrea Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio has revealed his client's desire to join Napoli, reports Sky Sports.

The left-back who was a £7m signing from Udinese, has struggled to make an impact as the speed and physical nature of the Premier League appeared to overwhelm the Italian international.

The defender is thought to be seeking a move back to Italy in order to re-establish himself as Marcelo Lippi's first choice left back in the national side.

The players agent Roberto La Florio insists a move to Napoli would suit all parties is and is eager to finalise a deal.

"There is the will to join Napoli. Napoli want Dossena, and should they follow him, it means they are ready to satisfy the player's exigencies," La Florio told Italian radio station Kiss Kiss.

"Now they must decide, because they may need Andrea due to Fabio Aurelio's injury. The two parts must meet to find an agreement."

As reported in LFC Alert on Friday Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted he has held discussions with Rafael Benitez. "I've personally spoken with Rafa Benitez. The negotiation is ongoing," he said.


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Dossena transfer moves closer

Napoli have confirmed they are in talks with Liverpool as they look to secure the services of defender Andrea Dossena reports Sky Sports.

Dossena who cost £7million when he arrived from Udinese last summer, made just 12 Premier League starts for The Reds last season

Juventus have been linked with the Italy international, but Napoli now appear to have moved to the head of the queue.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted he had held discussions with Reds boss Benitez and that the dialogue between the two clubs would continue.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "I've personally spoken with Rafa Benitez. The negotiation is ongoing."

Reports in Italy suggest that the deal is being delayed as the two clubs haggle over a fee, with the Reds keen to recoup around £6million.

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Aurelio, Dossena

Xabi Alonso
Today's Times claims that Liverpool have placed a £35 million valuation on Xabi Alonso, “after the Spain midfield player said his goodbyes to some members of the club's staff.” The story goes on to say: “Real Madrid, with whom the player has been linked, have not yet made an official offer,” and “there is a growing acceptance at Anfield that the player is likely to move to Real.” The story also says “Alonso's relationship with Rafael Benítez has been troubled since the Liverpool manager began his pursuit of Gareth Barry last year.” This claim by the Times ignores the interview he gave to Spanish newspaper ‘El Pais’ last weekend in which the player said” I am happy at Liverpool” called Liverpool, “a special club” and talking about Rafa, he said "We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally.” No English newspaper has published the interview.

Fabio Aurelio
looks set to miss the start of the season for Liverpool after damaging his knee playing football with his children, says today’s Express. The article claims The Brazilian left-back is “facing the prospect of surgery and several months on the sidelines”. Aurelio is understood to have twisted a knee playing with son, Fabio jnr, and daughter Victoria. Aurelio has one year left on his current contract and his time at Anfield has been scarred by a succession of injury problems. The injury could impact the proposed move of Andrea Dossena, who may now be required stay at Liverpool.

Andrea Dossena
The defenders agent Roberto La Florio told Italian newspaper ‘Corriere dello Sport’: "For the time being, I have not met (Juventus sporting director) Alessio Secco and I don't have an appointment set up with him in the near future. At this time I don't know if Dossena will join Juventus. We can only wait, we are not in a hurry. In any case the lad (Dossena) is also happy at Liverpool."

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."

Transfer Speculation: Lodeiro, Mascherano, Arbeloa, Dossena, Pennant

Nicolas Lodeiro
Uruguayan midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is said to have caught the eye of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reports Sky News. The story goes on to reveal “The 20-year-old Lodeiro is currently contracted to Primera Division Uruguaya side Nacional. Lodeiro is highly-raterd and shone when representing the Uruguay Under 20s in the South American championship played this year in Venezuela. The playmaker is currently owned by the company BBC Sport, who bought him in February among other young players of the Uruguayan U20 national side.”

Andrea Dossena

The Italian defender appears to be back tracking from his link to Juventus. Reported in the Telegraph the player said: "I learned what the boss wants from me and I hope next season is better than last season. I never said I wanted to go away from Liverpool. I'm happy in Liverpool and I want to stay." Dossena, added: "There's not a lot of difference between us and them [United]. Now Manchester United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo maybe that's better for us." His agent however has a different opinion. The Times has a quote from him stating: “that a proposed move from Liverpool to Juventus is dependent on the Italian club dropping their interest in Fabio Grosso, the Italy left back. Roberto Florio said: “That is what is slowing Dossena’s transfer from Liverpool to the Bianconeri.”

Javier Mascherano
Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, met Barcelona representatives in the city's Rey Juan Carlos I hotel for two hours last night claims the Guardian. The article claims “It is believed Tamer, was seeking assurances about the personal terms on offer should his client attempt to force through a deeply unpopular exit from Anfield. Liverpool have not yet received an inquiry from Barcelona for Mascherano, who has been earmarked to replace Yaya Touré as their holding midfielder by the coach, Pep Guardiola.”

Alvaro Arbeloa
The Guardian also claims the threat of a 50p tax rate for those earning £150,000 and over would encourage a talent drain out of the Premier League. Speaking on the plan Arbeloa said: "In the last few years the Premier League has been much better than the Spanish league, but now that may even out thanks to factors that could give the Premier League more problems than in previous years, like the fall of the pound and the raise in taxes. They will make a lot of players move to Spain. Mind you, Adidas told me that the Liverpool shirt is their best seller, more so even than Madrid, so that shows that the Premier League has reached every corner of the world."

Jermaine Pennant
He’s not really a Liverpool player anymore as his contract runs out this summer, but thought I’d include the story just for amusement. Jermaine Pennant has been linked with every Tom, Dick and Harry has apparently emerged as a possible target for Manchester City claims The Gaurdian. Pennant, it reports will “provide competition for the winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.”

Transfer Speculation

Glen Johnson
Speaking of the deal, the Telegraph says: “two Liverpool bids, in the region of £12 million, were turned down by Portsmouth last summer and in January but Benitez is confident a £10 million fee paid over two years, plus an agreement to write off the £7 million the south coast club still owe for Peter Crouch, will be enough to land the former Chelsea player.” The Independent also says the deal will make Johnson “one of the club's highest earners” with his “substantial wage, thought to be £80,000-a-week net of tax.” Today’s Echo says “the deal is likely to be held up because the player is on holiday.” And “Johnson only recently started his summer break following his exertions for England in the World Cup qualifiers and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie is currently in Israel for talks with club owner Sacha Gaydamak.”

David Villa
The Guardian’s ‘Rumour Mill’ section says: “David Villa has told 'close friends' that he only wants to play for Rafael Benítez in the Premier League.” Sky Sports is also running an interview the player gave to the press following the game in Bloemfontein. He was unwilling to divulge the name of the club, but said the following: “I have made my decision. My agent knows my wishes, and he is now working on that - so I am relaxed. There is no deadline on the subject, and I really do not have any more details as this whole thing is not totally dependent on me."

Ryan Babel
Also in the Guardian: Frank Rijkaard, the new coach of the Turkish side Galatasaray, “has approached Liverpool about signing Ryan Babel. The Dutch international was a peripheral figure at Anfield last season and is likely to be sold should Liverpool receive a significant bid for a player bought for £11m from Ajax in 2007.”

Pepe Reina
The Independent claims: “Barcelona are set to launch a bid for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina according to various reports.” Contract talks with current number one Victor Valdes have apparently broken down according to the article and Valdes “has a year left on his contract, has been pushing for parity with Xavi, who is paid £150,000 a week.” Barcelona are refusing to go that high and have been considering their options, and believe a bid of £17m for Reina “would test Liverpool's resolve, especially considering the financial difficulties the Anfield club are currently in.”

The article also suggests Liverpool may also face a battle to keep midfielder Javier Mascherano. This is of course old news, so I’m not sure how much weight the Reina story carries, considering the papers source is: “various reports”. I could speak to ‘The Main (Stand) Man’ and next doors cat about a transfer then claim the same thing.

Andrea Dossena
The Telegraph says “Benitez may sacrifice two full-backs to ensure he has the funds to bolster his attack, with Andrea Dossena edging closer to a £6 million move to Juventus.” However, the Mail is running an interview with Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio, who said: “At the moment, there are no updates. The Bianconeri club (Juventus) have yet to decide whether to consider my client or (Lyon's) Fabio Grosso. If they decide to target my client then we would evaluate the offer. He (Dossena) is happy at Liverpool but Juventus is Juventus, and he's a little nostalgic for Italy.”

Alvaro Arbeloa
The Telegraph also states Arbeloa “could also be sold, with the Liverpool manager braced for an £8 million approach from Real Madrid once Spain's involvement in the Confederations Cup ends. Arbeloa has just 12 months left on his contract and, while Benitez had suggested he would be offered a new deal, his failure to sign one indicates his time on Merseyside is drawing to a close.”
The story is also reported by Sky Sports, which has an interview the player made to Spanish newspaper ‘Elmundo’: "I am happy at Liverpool, but I have something to prove in Spain as I did not show my best form in La Liga. One day, I'm sure I will return. It is always nice to be linked to big teams - even to this Madrid side in a time of transition. They are working hard to build a great team. I have one more year remaining on my Liverpool deal, but anything can happen. A contract renewal is in the air. I am contracted for one more year, but if Liverpool get an offer they will consider it. It is all in the hands of my agent."

Johnson bid 'accepted' claims media

"Liverpool had an offer of about £18.5 million for Glen Johnson accepted last night" claims the Times.

The article also says Chelsea were “unwilling to match the fee for a player they sold for £4 million two years ago. Manchester City expressed an interest, but have not matched the price, which will include add-ons.” Presumably Johnson will begin negotiating terms with the Reds before the deal can be finalised. Todays Echo says "The Reds are wary about making any official statement after their experience with Gareth Barry last month." It also claims the "fee handed over, however, will be significantly less than £17m, with money still owed for last summer's transfer of Peter Crouch." and "Liverpool would seek to make up the remainder by offloading Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for £8m and returning Andrea Dossena to Italy."

I’m not sure Liverpool will sell their current right back Arbeloa, as the Spanish defender enjoyed his best season yet with the Reds. The team did not have a natural replacement when he was injured and had to resort to playing Jamie Carragher. My assumption was that Johnson would be competing with Arbeloa for the position, as the team fight in four competitions. Dossena on the other hand appears to be a more viable option to sell. The position has plenty of cover in Aurelio and Degen and the Dossena has expressed a desire to move to Italy with Juventus potential buyers.

Dossena flattered by Juventus interest

Transfer Speulation

Andrea Dossena is flattered by Juventus' interest in him but insists he is happy at Liverpool reports Sky Sports. The Italian left-back is currently on international duty with the World Cup holders ahead of their Confederations Cup opener against the USA in South Africa, and has draw interest from Juventus and Genoa. Speaking to Sky Italia, the player said:

"I will always have a special eye out for Italy and it's always pleasing to be wanted by a club like Juventus. Liverpool are a great club and I am happy to be playing here. I am having a good experience in England. But if there was to be a deal between my agent, Juve and Liverpool, then I would certainly consider the proposal."

Dossena open to staying with Reds

Transfer Speculation

Andrea Dossena has recently been linked with moves to Italian clubs Juventus and Genoa with a speculated price of £6.5m. however, Sky Sports is reporting an interview with Dossena's representative, Roberto La Florio, who says Liverpool are keen to retain his services.

"We have spoken with Liverpool and with Benitez and we received confirmation that the club are keen on holding onto Dossena," La Florio told Sportal.it. "However, we all know what the market is like and when a certain offer comes along then negotiations open up. So far neither us nor Liverpool have been presented with an offer but we did have contact with Juve last year. Dossena is fine in England. He would be happy to return, but under certain conditions. Juve are making their own evaluations and they will contact us if they are interested. We will wait."

Transfer Speculation round up

Here’s a round up of other gossip, chitter-chat, rumour and speculation from around the web.

Yossi Benayoun, who recent reports suggests has been linked with Barcelona, is expected to be offered an extension to his Liverpool contract, which has two years left, claims the Echo. The article also says “the player himself seems set to reject any advances” from Catalan club, by quoting an interview the player made last week: “It could be Real Madrid knocking on my door, I'd still rather stay at Liverpool.” The comment was made before speculation arose of interest from Barcelona.

Luc Castaignos. “Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be competing for Luc Castaignos, the Feyenoord striker whose potential has been likened to Thierry Henry. Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, is expected to travel to the Netherlands this month to talk to the 16-year-old, who has two years left on his contract,” claim's the Times.

Glen Johnson. Also in the Times, “Manchester City have apparently made an approach for Glen Johnson, the Portsmouth right back who had been expected to move to Liverpool this summer. The 24-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, his former club, signed a 4½-year contract in January after being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.”

Andrea Dossena. The Independent says “Benitez could soon tie up a deal to sell full-back Andrea Dossena to Juventus for £6.5m, after the Italian failed to settle at Anfield.”

Also in the Independent: Madrid sources have linked Alvaro Negredo, Alberto Bueno, Javier Saviola or Gabriel Heinze as possible makeweights in any possible deal for, yes, you guessed it: Xabi Alonso

Alvaro Negredo. Setanta has Real Madrid's Alvaro Negredo moving to Valencia in a swap plus cash cash with Valencia star David Villa. Negredo however seems open for a Liverpool move instead. Speaking to Spanish sports paper ‘AS’ he stated: “I already said they are a great club and playing alongside Fernando Torres would be huge."

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent, Alejandro Mazzoni insists Liverpool have bid for the player despite denials from Benitez and Napoli general director Pierpaolo Marino. Quoted in the Telegraph Mazzoni said: "Pierpaolo Marino continues to lie," said Mazzoni. "I reiterate that a Fifa agent presented Napoli with an offer from Liverpool for Lavezzi. This was a formal procedure as the player cannot be contacted directly (by the interested club) because he is under contract with Napoli."

Dossena’s Agent indicates Juventus and Genoa interest

Transfer Speculation

Andrea Dossena's agent has claimed Juventus and Genoa are keen on signing the Liverpool defender reports the press. The players representative Roberto La Florio told Itasportpress: 'I want to make clear that the player is doing well in Liverpool and has never said, as some sections of the press reported, that he wants to leave a club that is in the Champions League and equipped to win the Premier League next season. Having said that I can say Juventus and Genoa have asked for my assistance, but we are far from starting any negotiations. Any player in the world would not immediately reject any proposal from these important Italian clubs, but Dossena enjoys the confidence of Rafa Benitez.'

Juventus want cash plus player swap deal for Dossena

Transfer Speculation

Juventus hope to land Liverpool fullback Andrea Dossena in a cash-plus-player swap say’s today's Post. The article claims: “Dossena has already gone public with his hopes of joining Juve this summer after failing to settle on Merseyside. Juve chiefs Alessio Secco and Jean-Claude Blanc are preparing a bid of £4 million cash plus left-back Paolo de Ceglie in exchange for Dossena.”

Dossena hands in transfer request

The one piece of good news coming from Liverpool today is that defender Andrea Dossena has issued a transfer request, reports the Echo. Dossena said: “Before coming back to Italy I talked to Benitez and explained to him my doubts,” said the player speaking to Tuttosport. “I told him I wanted to leave. He is an exceptional person and understood my problem.” Dossena, whose goals against Manchester United and Real Madrid, will be the fans lasting memory, has admitted that he would welcome a move to Juventus. He said: “I would run to Juve. They showed interest in me last year, but then Liverpool stepped in and wrapped things up in less than an hour. Of course I would accept an offer. You’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”

Middlesbrough’s relegation rekindles Wheater interest

Transfer Speculation

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is hoping to revive his interest in Middlesbrough defender and Ian Dowie look-a-like: David Wheater after the Riverside club were relegated from the Premier League claims today’s Telegraph.

The article goes on to say: “Benitez tried to sign the England under-21 international last summer and enquired about his availability in January but his Middlesbrough counterpart Gareth Southgate was unwilling to part with one of the key players in his side’s battle for survival. Now, though, Southgate knows he needs to trim his squad to cope with the financial impact of demotion and, with Stewart Downing injured, Wheater is one of his most saleable assets. The only sticking point for Liverpool would be the defender’s asking price. Birmingham were last week quoted £9 million for the player, a fee Benitez would be unwilling to pay for a back-up central defender with funds at Anfield at a premium.”

The article also goes on to say: “sources close to full-back Andrea Dossena have insisted the Italian international is happy at Anfield despite struggling to make impact following his £7 million move from Udinese last summer. Reports in Italy suggest Dossena is a target for Napoli and Sampdoria but he is believed to be willing to remain in England to fight for his place.”

Let’s hope this is pure speculation and a deal can be truck to sell the player. Dossena has not been a good buy, appearing overweight when he arrived at Anfield. The second half of the season was moderately better as he’d clearly shed a few pounds and was able to at least make fairly dangerous runs down the wing. However one suspects he will not improve enough and if an Italian club comes in for him, we would be best advised to sell. Although few Liverpool fans have few good things to say about him, he will always be remembered for his two remarkable goals against Real Madrid and Manchester United.