Benitez confirms interest in Hull defender Turner

Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has confirmed his interest in signing Michael Turner from Hull City after the Reds defensive problems mounted at home to Atlético Madrid yesterday. Defensive rock Jamie Carragher was withdrawn from the pre-season friendly with Atletico after only 15 minutes with a twisted ankle. Other central defence regulars Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger are respectively recovering from a hamstring strain and a back injury.

Speaking after the game Benitez said: "It is true I was talking with Phil Brown [the Hull manager], but I won't discuss any figures," said the Liverpool manager. When asked if he would make a second inquiry, Benítez added: "Maybe," reports the Guardian.

Most newspapers speculate Benitez verbal enquiry included a ‘£6m’ offer for the defender, which the Mail claims was: “rejected out of hand.” The story says Manager Phil Brown rates Turner at double the price and “intends to hold out for a bigger fee.”
Speaking in yesterdays newspapers, he said:

"We've had a verbal offer from a club in the Premier League but there's been no firm offer through communications at boardroom level. That was nowhere near our expectations."

"I'm still adamant that it would take a big offer to prise Michael away, no matter who that club is."

"We've got a prized asset there and I will guarantee that no player will leave the club on the cheap."

Transfer Speculation: Fernandez, Distin, Turner

Liverpool are said to be looking for cover in the central defence area after Sami Hyypia’s departure and fitness worries for both Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger nursing hamstring and back injuries respectively. A number of suitors are being touted by the press:

Leandro Fernandez, Sylvain Distin, Michael Turner

Dynamo Moscow central defender Leandro Fernandez has been linked with a move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old Argentinean was named the club's player of the season in his first year after joining from River Plate and does not need a work permit as he has an Italian passport.

The Mail claims: “Liverpool are weighing up a number of targets for central defence including Hull's Michael Turner and Sylvain Distin from Portsmouth but Fernandez is another they have held informal discussions over.”

However, he “would not come cheap though with Moscow looking for around £8m and he is cup-tied in Europe until the new year,” claims the article.

The Guardian says: “Benítez's next move is likely to be for a central defender. Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin is a possible target for the Liverpool manager, as is Michael Turner, but Hull's valuation of the defender far exceeds what Benítez is prepared to pay.”

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.