“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore”

Rafael Benitez still clearly casts a long shadow of Liverpool football club and even the Premier League. His comments yesterday, following Roy Hodgson’s accusations that he barred Kop legend Kenny Dalglish from Melwood training ground, have been lampooned in the press once more. Indeed it is a strange position that current boss Roy Hodgson finds himself in, in that his predecessor gains more press headlines then himself. Hodgson, during his pre match conference at the weekend said: “When it was mooted the club wanted me for the job I made it clear to Kenny I wanted him on board and it wouldn’t be like it was with Benítez where you are here in name but never allowed to set foot into Melwood and we don’t want anything to do with you.”

Rafa, who was instrumental in bringing Dalglish back to Anfield, was forced to address the issue yesterday, after repeated questions from the media asking for his opinion on Roy’s comments. Not surprisingly this has been laughed off by the press like it’s the latest rants of a loon who can’t stop having a pop at people. Well if you repeatedly ask the question, then feign surprise at the answer, there is clearly an agenda in place and a myth to perpetuate. The press’s latest reporting of Rafa’s suggestion that “some people cannot see a priest on a mountain of sugar.” has been met with smirks, puzzlement and bemusement. Although evidently aimed at Hodgson, the comment should also ironically apply to the press, as they’re clearly unable to spot the truth even when it stares them straight in the face. Undoubtedly the statement refers to the ease with which the priest's black robes can be spotted against the white of the mountain of sugar. Simple. However an agenda driven, xenophobic British press would prefer to laugh at the Spaniards latest attempt to educate them in Spanish colloquialisms.

Indeed the press failed to reports Hodgson own xenophobia recently when following the Merseyside Derby. A journalist from Scandinavia suggested Liverpool’s lack of goals was clearly because there was no supply line to Torres.
Hodgson asked: “Are you from Denmark?”
“No, Norway,” replied the visitor.
“Ah, two countries I never want to work in again,” replied Hodgson.

How was this insulting, dare I say racist comment greeted by the press? Martin Samuel reporting for the Daily Mail called Hodgson ‘chippy’
It’s clear the foreign press has a better understanding of Liverpool then the British press, and the British press is happy to let this type of comment slip because they ‘like’ Roy.

Hodgson who has said one ludicrous comment after another, whilst in charge of the Reds has gone from insulting the fans with his comment: "The protest does not help but it is something I have had to live with since I came to the club," to calling the win at Bolton a “famous victory”.

Not a peep from the press though. They continually call for him to have more time whilst he re-builds the wreck of a club left by big spending Benitez. Indeed, such is the absurd myth surrounding how brilliant Hodgson is, Bolton boss Owen Coyle recently laughably claimed: “He is an elite coach in the world of football.”

However all these comments are reported on in complete seriousness without a hint of irony. So when Rafael Benitez enters the frame and is asked to answer the lies uttered by Hodgson, this is how it’s reported:

The Telegraph says:
“Inter Milan manager Rafael Benítez launches tirade at Liverpool manager Roy HodgsonForget the “facts”, forget the “milk”. This was the Rafa rant to end all Rafa rants. The evening the former Liverpool manager unceremoniously turned on his successor, Roy Hodgson”

Incredibly the ex boss still has an intuitive relationship with Liverpool fans, something Hodgson will never have. Most appear to support him over our current boss. Benitez, speaking about Roy Hodgson’s press conferences last night, said: "Every single press conference is even worse than the last one. He's talking about things that he doesn't know.”

"Maybe he hasn't been in Liverpool too long. We gave the fans their pride - again. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players.”

Well now its time to fight for him.

Rafa's statement was a call to arms for the fans. Benitez has had to endure a dishonourable few months as accusations from the media, experts, ex players, Premiership managers, ex owners, ex managers, and yes, sadly even our own fans, try to revise his history as manager of Liverpool FC.

The 1976 classic film ‘Network’ satires a generation of people who have become lethargic, complacent and whose minds have become softened by the seduction of the media. Its main character Howard Beale in its most famous scene proclaims: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore,” and it’s time for fans to do the same. The Madrid born manager understands the city of Liverpool and its fans, and he has not stopped fighting for this club, even now as he manages Inter Milan. So neither should the fans.

Some fans state that Benitez should keep quiet, but why should he have to endure the lies and myth making of the last few months? I wouldn’t. And using the same argument, why can’t Roy keep his mouth shut?

I may be accused of being a Rafa apologist, but I apologise for nothing if it means standing up to lies, miss-truths and falsification of our history.

“O Captain! My Captain!" Señor Benitez.

Benitez answers back after Hodgson's slur

Ex Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, has defended himself after current LFC boss Roy Hodgson accused him of banning Reds legend Kenny Dalglish from Liverpool's Melwood training ground during his time in charge.

Rafa who is back in England for Tomorrow night's Champions League match at Tottenham, was attempting to once again set the record straight in front of a baying press pack

"I think that Mr Hodgson, he doesn't understand," Benitez said.

"Every single press conference is even worse than the last one. He's talking about things that he doesn't know.

"And some people cannot see a priest on a mountain of sugar.

"Maybe he hasn't been in Liverpool too long. We gave the fans their pride - again. We fought for the fans, we fought for the club and we fought for our players.

"So maybe he cannot understand this."

He added: "I brought back Kenny Dalglish to do a role in the club and Christian Purslow gave him another role.

"He (Hodgson) doesn't know but I will explain it to him.

"So, instead of talking about the flips or the flops, he has to concentrate on his players, try to do his best.

"He has a good job to do."

"They've signed nine players.

"With £10million net spending, I left that squad with £300million value, 13 internationals.

"So, instead of talking about flips and flops, he has to concentrate on his job, try to do his best and not talk about the level of his players or the new players.

"Concentrate, try to do your best because it will be the best for the club and it will be the best for the fans."

No doubt Benitez’s comments will attract more criticism from the British press intent on re-writing his history, as another “rant”.

Although the repeated questions from the press asking for his views have been carefully edited out, his comments can be viewed here

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."

Gerrard thinks 2-3 new signings will close the gap at the top

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed Liverpool need 2 or 3 new signings over the summer to launch a Premiership winning campaign next season. Speaking to Sky Sports News after receiving the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award, the midfielder said: "We are very close. I'm sure the manager will want to strengthen the team and the squad a little bit over the summer. I don't think there are many changes that are needed. But we need to freshen up, like all the teams do. I feel as if we can fight for all the big trophies next season. I'm sure he (Benitez) is already working on what part of the team needs strengthening. I think, if you look at Manchester United's squad and Chelsea's squad, you look how strong their benches are and how strong players are that are not even making their eighteens. I think we are just a little bit off that at the moment. Maybe two or three players from having a squad on a level with those two. I feel that is how close we are." He also made a pointed out his belief that Liverpool have not been getting the plaudits they deserve this season "You look at the points tally, we finished the season with 86 points. Usually that is enough to be crowned worthy champions."

Hicks and Gillett refinancing deal may give Rafa extra transfer money

Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are on the verge of announcing a £350million refinancing deal says today’s Sunday Mirror. It claims: “accountants from the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wells Fargo are currently examining Liverpool's financial figures with a view to agreeing a loan package that will ease the pressure on the two Americans. The move could also bring an improved summer transfer budget for manager Rafa Benitez, who has made Carlos Tevez his No.1 target, but is unable to meet the £25.5m price being asked by the Argentine's owners. The deal will hinge on Hicks and Gillett pouring more of their own personal finance into Anfield - and the pair are looking to raise funds by selling off some of their other sporting interests in the United States,” says the article. “Hicks is ready to sell his majority stake in baseball club Texas Rangers while Gillett is searching for a buyer for the ice hockey outfit Montreal Canadiens to gen-eratcash. But with Liverpool set to announce record turnover and increased profits of almost £40m this week, there is increased confidence that the club can easily service a new loan agreement. An insider said: "Despite claims to the contrary, both owners have spent about £80m of their own money on Liverpool over the past two years.”

This news will come as no surprise to regular readers of LFC Alert as a refinancing deal was reported on this site weeks ago. This story however speculates the re-financing deal ‘could’ bring in extra money for Rafa this summer.

Liverpool track Brazilian teenager

Liverpool are reported to be tracking 17 year old Juventude player Zezinho, who has impressed in Brazil’s Serie B, reports Sky Sports News. “Some rumours have suggested that money has changed hands,” says the article: “But while Juventude president Sergio Florian has played down rumours of a transfer, he has implied that Rafa Benitez's Premier League runners-up have been in contact regarding the midfielder. "They (Liverpool) have already put money in the bank? I don't know anything about this," Florian told South American media. "In truth, nothing has happened, no type of business. I can't say anything more about this because they're nothing but enquiries."

Spanish paper claims Alonso move has been agreed

Transfer Speculation

Today’s Daily Mail is running a rather worrying news story. It declares: “Xabi Alonso has agreed a £22million move to Real Madrid according to reports in Spain” Spanish newspaper ‘Sport’ is claiming Alonso will be the first ‘Galactico’ of Florentino Perez’s second stint as Bernabeu president. Perez who could take control as early as tomorrow has reportedly already reached an agreement for the Spain midfielder. The paper says the Anfield star has agreed to a deal in principle weeks ago and that Liverpool accepted an offer on Friday.

The article claims that “there remains a few variables to sort out. Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze could go the other way in part-exchange” It also says: “Benitez is also said to be keen on striker Alvaro Negredo. Madrid sold the 23-year-old to Ameria but have a buy-back option and Liverpool are said to have wanted him as part of the Alonso deal. However the £13m price-tag quoted is too much for Liverpool as they would prefer the cash to target Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Let’s hope this is just another example of Perez and the Spanish media trying to cause mischief. I truly believe Liverpool will miss Alonso should he depart, as the influential midfielder has been one of the main reasons for Liverpool’s great season. He has been the main avenue of attack, routing balls from the middle of the park into dangerous areas via his incredible passing skill.

I can’t see Heinze at 29 being more then a back up defender, despite Rafa’s previous interest in him. Negrado has had a decent season, scoring 19 times and Real Madrid apparently have first option on him until the end of June. As previously reported on LFC Alert here a few weeks back, Negrado who is nicknamed ‘the wild animal’, played for Real Madrid’s second team, before he joined Almeria. However they have reportedly inserted a buy-back clause of £4.4million.

Meanwhile the Daily Star is reporting fellow countryman Cesc Fabregas wants Alonso at Arsenal: “We need someone in the middle to make competition and make a difference, plus give us a new dimension. Xabi would be great. He’s experienced and can score goals. I’m sure the boss is aware of that fact.”

Search for Parry’s replacement steps up

Liverpool have intensified their search for departing chief executive Rick Parry’s replacement.

Recruitment specialists Odgers Berndtson have been appointed to head hunt Parry’s successor and they have now placed an advertisement on their official website as they look for the right person to fill the role. According to the advert, a "significant package" is available to the successful candidate.

The role also asks for someone with: “outstanding leadership” who can give the club “clear direction to the club through its next phase of development, ensuring it performs exceptionally both on and off the field.” And “Create a culture of excellence and ambition”. The candidate must “Ensure the Manager and his support group has the necessary resources and support to enable the team to win European and Domestic Championships.” And “Empathy with the values and heritage of the most successful football club in the history of English football and a deep-rooted love of the game.” Notably there is no mention of direct involvement in footballing matters, but the candidate “will drive the commercial side of the club, leveraging the monetary value of the brand and world-wide fan base.”

The applications for the role need to be received by 8th June, which indicates interviews could possibly take place in the coming weeks and the role filled before the end of June.

Juventus and Liverpool remember on the 24th anniversary of Heysel disaster

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the Heysel disaster. Juventus and Liverpool have joined together to remember the 39 victims who sadly perished during the Heysel tragedy on May 29, 1985. Both clubs have released official statements to mark the tragedy.

The Juventus statement reads: “We must remember in order to build the future”

“The thirty-nine victims are remembered by all Juventus supporters and all sports enthusiasts. Nobody can or should forget – declared president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, on behalf of the club and its supporters – and on these anniversaries we stand by the families that lost their loved ones on that tragic night. Even on their behalf, we try to interpret football in a more serene manner, educating the youngsters to respect the sport values and fair play. In these years much improvement has been done but we still have along way to go to defeat violence once and for all”.

A Memorial ceremony took place on Saturday 23rd May in fReggio Emilia in front of the monument by sculptor Gido Vanlessen, the only monument in Italy against stadium violence.

Liverpool have also paid tribute to the victims and a statement on their official website reads:

On the 24th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium tragedy, Liverpool Football Club remembers the 39 football supporters who went to watch a European Cup final and sadly never returned. On 29 May, 1985, the deaths of 32 Italians, four Belgians, two Frenchmen and one man from Northern Ireland totally overshadowed our European Cup final defeat to Juventus. What should have been a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare. No one will ever forget the horror that unfolded before our eyes that night and, 24 years on, let's all pause for a moment to pay our respects to those unfortunate victims.”

I remember viewing the terrible events unfold on live television with my dad and brother, expecting to see a great spectacle of football. I instead watched in horror and great shame as the tragedy took place. LFC Alert would like to extend its sincerest sympathy to all the families of the victims. You will never walk alone

Cohen's Hillsborough lies prompts boycott from US based Liverpool fans

The Official Liverpool Website has published a letter by Conor Brennan (Vice President of LFCNY Supporters' Club) and Alastair Cairns (creator of the boycott Steven Cohen web site)called “A special letter from America”. It goes on to reveal the horrible depths to which London-born Chelsea supporter: Steve Cohen, will sink in order to have his hatred of Liverpool FC heard. Cohen, based in the USA appears on two shows: 'Fox Football Fone-In' on Fox Soccer Channel and 'World Soccer Daily', a podcast also broadcast on Sirius/XM satellite radio. The letter goes on to catalogue the numerous incidents in which Cohen has taken the opportunity to peddle his lies to an unknowing American public. He has constantly blamed Liverpool fans for the deaths at Hillsborough for which he has been forced to apologise numerous times, however he has never once retracted his statements. The letter should be read in full by every Liverpool supporter, but here is a small excerpt:

“There was widespread shock as to the depths Cohen had plumbed in his show on February 22, 2009 where, incensed by fans' desire to change the Champions League game that coincided with the 20th Hillsborough Memorial, he mocked Liverpool 'milking' the Hillsborough tragedy. Cohen went on to say: "They are not the victims [of Hillsborough], they are the perpetrators... they are the most despicable people." Cohen told his audience that the Hillsborough Justice Campaign 'couldn't be more corrupt or blatantly ridiculous' and finally remarked that these Liverpool fans were 'the scum of the earth'. Cohen was forced to issue yet another one of his infamous apologies, or as he put it 'putting this crap to bed'. Much like the apology three years ago, there was no mention of the 96 dead, their families, or Hillsborough, nor was there any retraction of his unsubstantiated lies about the cause of the disaster. In fact, within the week he reiterated a somewhat more muted: "I still think there's shared responsibility." Immediately following his 'apology', Cohen spoke about the campaign against him. Liverpool fans were denounced as 'thugs', 'terrorists' and 'worse than the Taliban'.”

The “Boycott Steven Cohen web site” contains a list ways to help get Cohen off the air, and can be fund here:

http://boycottstevencohen.webs.com/

It urges people to “remain respectful and dignified” in any correspondence to the shows sponsors and associates because “Cohen has already demonstrated his willingness to quote the ugly minority in his attempts to discredit this campaign, and he'd like nothing better than to hear word of any inappropriate correspondence to his sponsors.”

The full letter can be read here:

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164520090529-1138.htm

Torres: Why I signed new deal

Fernando Torres has revealed why it was easy to sign a new Liverpool deal. Speaking to the official web site he said: "I want to remain here," said Torres. "Since arriving at Liverpool I feel that there's a bond and commitment. We listened to the club's offer, which came on the back of two seasons of positive work.” Speaking about his desire to win things next season, Torres sad: "My objective now is to win a trophy with Liverpool next year."

Reds meet valuation for Tevez

Transfer Speculation

Liverpool are among five leading clubs who have agreed to pay the £25 million needed to sign Carlos Tévez this summer claims today’s Times. The list is said to include: Manchester City, another English club and two foreign clubs, one of which is understood to be Real Madrid. The fee is said to be in the region of £25m has been set by Kia Joorabchian, who fronts the companies that own Tévez’s economic rights.

The article goes on to say:
“Tévez’s two-year “lease” deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of next month, but while David Gill, the United chief executive, appeared to hint this week that they would finally meet the “fixed fee” agreed with Joorabchian when the striker moved to Manchester in August 2007, the forward seems to have decided that he has played his last game for the club. Although United supporters would be horrified by the thought of Tévez moving to Liverpool or City, the player is open to the idea. Tévez’s pride has been hurt in recent weeks by United’s refusal to confirm that they will keep him at the price stipulated, with the player making what could be considered a number of farewell gestures to United’s fans. Despite United’s attempts to drive down the price, having already paid £10 million to loan the player for two years, Joorabchian is refusing to lower the £25 million price originally agreed with the club, knowing that there are other clubs willing to pay it. Either way, Tévez’s future with United is expected to be resolved in days. The prospect of Tévez joining Liverpool would be particularly galling for United supporters. Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, wants to sign a forward who will not only give his team an added goal threat, but also the energy to complement Fernando Torres and believes that Tévez fits the bill, a coup that Javier Mascherano, Tévez’s Argentina team-mate, is hoping will come off. “I hope we can count on him,” Mascherano said. “He would be great for us. However, it will be a tough fight because so many clubs are interested in him.”

Mascherano’s comments whilst speaking to ‘Radio La Red’ in Argentina appear to suggest the player has spoken with Tevez, possibly in an effort to try and convince him to choose Liverpool over any other interested clubs. Notice he said: “I hope we can count on him.” When this story first began in April, I didn’t hold much faith in its validity. However as the weeks have progressed, their definitely appears to be weight to it. I think United are trying to stall any deal so that they await the outcome of Ronaldo staying or going. Tevez is still only seen as a fringe player for United, but if Ronaldo does decide to leave it would probably force United into purchasing Tevez. However one thing that needs to be considered, is the way Tevez has been treated by United. He was absent at United’s end of season party and he was not onboard the United coach when it departed the hotel following their 2 nil defeat in the Champion League final. The player himself has stated that he has “not been treated as a member of the family," and "I do not feel wanted”. Either way the Times article suggests Tevez’s future could be resolved in days, which also ties in with Rafa’s insistence to complete any new deals as quickly as possible.

Torres agrees new LFC deal

Fernando Torres has agreed a new and improved deal with Liverpool Football Club. The striker was already tied to the club till 2013, having signed a six year deal in 2007 when he moved from Atletico Madrid. However the new contract will give Torres increased wages, and it also includes an option for a further year's extension to 2014.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez speaking with the official site said: "Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better. "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."

Benitez added: "We've made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step. We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence. This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club."

Notably the press have vastly conflicting numbers as they speculate the players new pay deal. “Torres’s move entailed a significant pay cut from the contract he had been offered to remain at the Vicente Calderon” speculates The Telegraph. “That has now been rectified and his new contract is likely to bring his wages, thought to be around £90,000-a-week, into line with Steven Gerrard, the club’s top earner on around £120,000-a-week”. The Guardian says: the “new contract that will increase the Spain striker's wages to £110,000 a week.” Having previously been on “£70,000-a-week” but, under the terms of the original transfer, was entitled to review his salary with the club this summer.” His new contract will also “vastly improve his personal terms until 2013 as scheduled.” The story also claims “It will make him the second-highest-paid player at the club behind the captain, Steven Gerrard.”

One thing is certain; the new Torres deal, which follows Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt Daniel Agger and Benitez himself in agreeing new contracts over the past couple of months, indicates a positive start to the summer dealings. It also shows a unity within the team, as players sign extensions without any fuss or pre Madonna posturing. This is something other teams are having difficulty in controlling, notably the discontent currently at United with the Tevez saga and the attention seeking Ronaldo insisting he dominates press headlines. But whilst other teams bicker Liverpool appear to be quietly going about their business, undoubtedly sending out a positive message to players considering a move to the club.

Babel’s agent insists player won't leave Liverpool

Transfer Speculation

Today’s Independent is running the story that “Ryan Babel will not leave Liverpool this summer”. Babel’s agent Winnie Haatrecht, insists "He is not done here yet," Haatrecht told AD Sportwereld. "I will sit down soon with Mr Benitez to evaluate the season. We haven't found time to do that yet. "Ryan went from Ajax to Liverpool to win trophies. So far that hasn't happened. Ryan wants to leave Liverpool as a regular starter with a trophy in his pocket." The 22-year-old made six starts all season and was a substitute 21 times.

Martinez transfer rumours resurface

Transfer Speculation

Today's Mirror is claiming: “Rafa Benitez has lined up Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso.” Last week The Star reported the same story and can be read in my blog here. The speculative story goes on to say: “Martinez is regarded as one of the best prospects in Spain. And Bilbao, who have the 20-year-old under contract until 2012, want around £10m. But Liverpool boss Benitez wants to thrash out a cut-price deal.”

The £10m price tag is vastly different from last weeks Daily Star article in which it stated that the player had an “£18 million buy-out clause in his contract.” which Benitez was unwilling to mach.

However the Mirror article says in a '10 things you need to know' profile about the player, that when "Liverpool were linked with Martinez in 2007, it was reported he had a £17.1million release clause in his contract – with the way sterling has weakened against the euro, the Reds’ owners will be hoping that price tag has come down."

Liverpool join hunt for youngster Castaigones

Transfer Speculation

Arsenal and Liverpool have joined the hunt for Luc Castaigones - rated as one of the finest young prospects in Europe claims Sky Sports News. The article states “The 16-year-old starred in the recent Uefa Under-17 Championship when he finished as top scorer. A clutch of sides are showing a big interest in the Dutch youngster, but he is already tied down to a long-term deal at his club Feyenoord. But his agent has confirmed that interest is mounting and a deal could be set-up whereby he would be loaned back to Feyenoord. "The interest is known and clubs are willing to go really far," Arie Treffers told De Telegraaf. "We have sent everyone to Feyenoord. Luc and his parents prefer to stay at Feyenoord for now. "A construction where a big team would sign him and directly loan him out to Feyenoord could be an option."

More coaching shake-up's brings Dalglish return closer

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing his summer shake up of the academy with the departure of four of his coaches reports the Mail. “Gary Ablett is being replaced as reserve team manager after three years, another former player, Hugh McAuley, who guided the under 18s to the FA Youth Cup Final is also departing. Youth coaches Dave Lever and Dave Shannon are also leaving. Frank McParland will return to oversee the backroom set-up and former Barcelona and Olympiakos coach Jose Segura is taking over as Academy Director.” The wholesale changes appear to pave the way for Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish to return to the club as an “advisor or ambassador” claims the article. The story also states that “popular former midfielder Gary McAllister is also being linked with a coaching role.”

Ryan Babel is told he can leave Anfield

Today’s Daily Post is stating that “Ryan Babel could become the first high-profile casualty of Rafael Benitez’s summer shake-up after being told he can leave Liverpool.”

The article goes on to say: “Babel’s agent Winnie Haatrecht met with the Anfield manager to discuss the player having a more prominent first-team role next season. Benitez, though, was unable to offer such guarantees and has informed the Holland international he may now speak to other clubs during the transfer window. That is likely to spark a chase for Babel, who became the third-most expensive player in Liverpool’s history when arriving for £11.5million from Ajax in July 2007. Liverpool will want to recoup of much as that fee as possible, with Babel likely to command a price tag of around £8m.”

The article adds: “Ajax, who yesterday appointed Martin Jol as new coach to succeed Marco van Basten, are thought eager to re-sign Babel but could be put off by the asking price and the player’s wages. Babel is also certain to attract interest from Italy and Spain, with Benitez open to the possibility of using the 22-year-old as a makeweight to facilitate a possible big-money transfer. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Arsenal have all been linked with a summer move for Babel and could make any interest formal.”

Clearly Benitez means business and wants his summer transfer activity completed as quickly as possible. The story states “Babel has scored 14 goals in 91 appearances for Liverpool. However, only 42 have been in a starting role – a mere six coming this calendar year – with the Dutchman having completed the full 90 minutes on just 15 occasions. With Benitez needing to generate funds to supplement his existing transfer budget, the Spaniard is keen to swiftly move on those players who no longer form part of his plans.”

Unfortunately Babel, who initially showed much promise in his first season, has been one of the most disappointing in this campaign. He has appeared lazy and uninterested. One could argue he needed more regular starts, but this hasn’t undeterred other players who where in the same position as him. Yossi Benayoun fought his way into the starting eleven after a disappointing start to the season and finished the campaign in sizzling form, terrorising defences and scoring valuable goals. It is clear that Babel has lost his confidence at Liverpool and a recuperation of his massive fee would probably be best for both parties. One fears however, Babel could recapture his potential at another team and turn into the player we all thought he could become with Liverpool.

Speaking about the ongoing dilemma with Sebastian Leto, the article says: “Benitez also wants to solve the work permit problem for Argentine winger Sebastian Leto, who has spent the last season on loan to Greek club Olympiacos. “We will try to work something out, I do not want him to go,” said the Liverpool manager. The reasons for refusing the permit were his lack of international and club experience. Benitez was critical of that decision, but is likely to sell Leto if the permit is refused once again.”

Rafa wants his transfers as soon as possible

Transfer Speculation

Rafa Benitez wants Liverpool’s summer transfer activity to be done and dusted by the time pre-season gets under way says the Echo. “The Reds boss is keen to conclude his business at the earliest possible opportunity in what is expected to be another busy summer at Anfield. Benitez will need to supplement his existing transfer budget with the proceeds from player sales and he is looking to start work on overhauling his squad immediately. But he concedes it won’t be easy to make improvements to what he regards as a high quality squad.”

The article quotes Rafa as saying: “Clearly we want to sign players but we know that it will be difficult to find players who are better than what we already have. It is not easy to find this kind of player in the current market and if we do then maybe they will be too expensive or not available. But we have to sign the right players and make the right decisions during the summer. We have some targets but right now it is too soon because some clubs do not know what the future holds for them but we will wait and see. But our idea is to have players signed before pre-season begins because this would be perfect. It means you can start working with them and training with them with the ideas that you want to get across to them so that they can start putting them into practice on the pitch.”

The article also goes on to say “Gareth Barry remains Benitez’s major target and with Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill admitting he will not stand in the England man’s way should a top four club make an acceptable offer for him Liverpool’s move for the 28-year-old is likely to come sooner rather than later. O’Neill is reported to be ready to offer Barry a lucrative new deal in a bid to keep his captain at Villa Park but with the midfielder keen to play Champions League football such overtures are likely to fall on deaf ears.”

Also mentioned in the piece is Madrid’s pursuit of Alonso. It may be a concern that the Echo is taking this rumour seriously, as they often report accurate information. The article states: “the likelihood of Real Madrid making an offer for Xabi Alonso has increased after one of Florentino Perez’s main rivals to become president of the Spanish giants pulled out of the race. Perez has made little secret of his desire to sign Alonso should he become president and Liverpool are now braced for a bid from Real.”

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.