Liverpool thread

[Darren]

Liverpool FC in assistant manager talks with Sammy Lee

May 14 2008
Sammy Lee _320

Liverpool are in talks with former midfielder Sammy Lee with a view to him becoming Rafael Benitez’s assistant manager at Anfield.
Lee, sacked as manager at Bolton last October, has held discussions this week with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry.
The ex-England international had an illustrious playing career at Liverpool before moving into coaching, and has previously been reserve team manager and first team coach at the club under Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.
Now he is expected to complete negotiations imminently and return to the club as Benitez’s number two.
The Spaniard moved to bring Lee back to Anfield when first team coach Alex Miller quit the club last week to manage Japanese side JEF United Chiba.
Lee’s appointment has been approved by the club’s American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who recognised Benitez has been without a number two since the departure of Pako Ayesteran last August.

[Darren]

Saw big links to a move to us within weeks of his Bolton exit, am surprised its taken to now to actually get this close. We have been missing an assistant manager since Paco left, and Sammy Lee is Liverpool through and through. Always thought he'd be a good number 2 for us, so hopefully he is brought in. With Miller having gone recently, and Paco all those months ago, another coach may be still needed.

[davidmphill]

Glad Sammy's coming back. Once he got the boot from Bolton I always had a feeling he'd return to the club although I didnt expect him to be Assistant Manager but when that job came up he was ideal for me. Top appointment.

[davidmphill]

Lee clinches return to Liverpool

Lee was sacked as Bolton manager after just six months in charge Anfield legend Sammy Lee has returned to Liverpool after being appointed as Rafael Benitez's assistant manager. Lee, a midfielder in the 1980s glory days, previously worked as reserve team manager and then first team coach under Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier. He eventually left for a full-time role with England in 2004 before joining Bolton Wanderers in 2005. Benitez said: "Sammy knows about the passion of the club and about the standards that we set here." Lee made 294 appearances for the Reds when they won a string of trophies and was a hero to a generation of Liverpool fans. 606: DEBATE Welcome back Sammy! Zed_The_Red He will help fill the gap left by Alex Miller, who left his role as first team coach earlier in May to take up a managerial role in Japan. Benitez has also lost Spanish assistant Paco Ayesteran and sorely needed support on the bench for the 2008-09 campaign. Lee served as Sam Allardyce's deputy at Bolton for a while before replacing him as boss in April 2007, shortly before the end of the season. But he endured a terrible start to the following campaign, with Bolton lying second from bottom of the Premier League table when he was removed from his post. Liverpool were so close to having a great season this time around Sammy Lee That was not on Benitez's mind, however, as the Spaniard commented: "We have not brought Sammy back simply because he used to play for the club and used to work here as a coach. "He is a very experienced and very well respected coach in his own right and his reputation in football made him the outstanding candidate when we knew we were looking for a new member of our coaching staff." Lee said: "The club have made great progress over the last few years and they were so close to having a great season this time around. "Hopefully we can keep improving and get to where we all want."

[Darren]

The usual end of season madness has begun and we are getting linked with many players. None of which particularly fancy tbh. Reira from Espanyol (he never did a lot in his Citeh days tbh), Barry for 18M (yeah, keep it real), anything Spanish or Italian also seems to be linked.

For a side that from Rafa always wants to tie its business up early we never seem to do that, any signings these days seem to come when our pre season efforts are well under way, which is far from ideal. I don't see this season being any different though.

[Darren]

SWISS STAR TO SIGN FOR REDS Paul Eaton 20 May 2008
	Liverpool Football Club today confirmed that Swiss international defender Philipp Degen will sign a contract with the club on July 1.
The right sided full-back - who will represent his country at this summer's European Championships - is out of contract with Borussia Dortmund this summer and has opted to begin a new career on Merseyside from next season. Degen, 25, spent four seasons in his homeland with FC Basel before his move to the Bundesliga and will provide competition for Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the right-back role at Anfield. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Philipp is still young but has gained great experience from playing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and on the international stage with Switzerland. He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top level football. "He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality. His strength is going forward and I am confident he will be prove to be a quality addition to our squad." He added: "Sometimes you can find these players on the market. When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad. "He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas." Looking ahead to the move, Degen said: "When I received the offer from Liverpool, there was no doubt I would accept it. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing myself there and playing in the best league there is."

[davidmphill]

Don't know too much about this guy. Hopefully he'll be better than the last free transfer we got in from the Bundesliga.

[mileni4uk]

Originally Posted by davidmphill

Don't know too much about this guy. Hopefully he'll be better than the last free transfer we got in from the Bundesliga.

Very good player. He is an attacking right-back who scores couple of goals every season and always the one who's most notable when Switzerland play. Definitely a good free transfer. For more, we have to wait.

And apparently we're signing the Udinese left back, who had a very good year in Seria A. Don't know much about him though. Only read he had a very good season.

[Darren]

It looks very much like Xabi Alonso is leaving for Juventus for a fee of around 16M.

Kinda expected he could go I guess, he had a superb first couple of seasons with us but never really pushed on from that. Cracking player, Serie A might just suit his style to perfection.

[Darren]

BABEL RULED OUT OF EURO 2008 Steve Hunter 31 May 2008
	Ryan Babel has been ruled out of Euro 2008 after he tore ankle ligaments during a training session with Holland on Saturday.
The Reds winger was expected to be a key figure for Marco van Basten's side in the tournament and the injury is a cruel blow for the 21-year-old. There is no further news as to how long the injury will keep the player out on the sidelines for. The Dutch coach is believed to be already discussing plans for a replacement for Babel.

[davidmphill]

Originally Posted by Darren

It looks very much like Xabi Alonso is leaving for Juventus for a fee of around 16M.

Kinda expected he could go I guess, he had a superb first couple of seasons with us but never really pushed on from that. Cracking player, Serie A might just suit his style to perfection.

Good move for both parties, dont think he'll be missed too much and it would add to Rafa's War Chest.

[medicio]

I would be sad to see Xabi go although his form has dropped each year since arriving.
Barry just seems to get better every year and he has a very good understanding with Gerrard in the England set up. Problem is the fee for English players is ludicrous. Which is why managers like Rafa and wenger look abroad and pick up 2 or 3 for the same money.

[mileni4uk]

Originally Posted by medicio

I would be sad to see Xabi go although his form has dropped each year since arriving.
Barry just seems to get better every year and he has a very good understanding with Gerrard in the England set up. Problem is the fee for English players is ludicrous. Which is why managers like Rafa and wenger look abroad and pick up 2 or 3 for the same money.

I prefer Gareth to be honest. He's equally good in distribution and defence, but has a fantastic corner, free-kick delivery we lack imo. And he's a great penalty taker. Plus, we definitely need another englishman or two. Carra's in the 30's now.

[davidmphill]

Aston Villa edge ahead in race to sign Peter Crouch

Jun 5 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

ASTON VILLA are edging ahead in the race to sign Peter Crouch - as Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp officially declared his interest in the Liverpool forward.
The Midlanders are considering taking Crouch back to Villa Park in a deal that could finally pave the way for Gareth Barry’s departure to Anfield.
Martin O’Neill is reluctant to lose his captain but with Liverpool lining up their next bid, the Villa manager is believed to be willing to accept Crouch as part of a £15million package.
Crouch has previously been tipped to return to another of his former clubs, Portsmouth – but Redknapp admits he is being priced out in the current climate.
“I don’t know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not,” Redknapp said.
“If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.
“I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.
“If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10million it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.
“At the moment we have David Nugent, Kanu and Jermain Defoe. We need another one up there, at least.
“You need to have at least four strikers. So I need another good one up there.”
Liverpool are willing to cash in on Crouch while he seeks the type of regular first-team football manager Rafael Benitez is unable to guarantee him.
Newcastle are also monitoring the situation as they have long and short-term doubts over all their current crop of forwards and he also saw his top target Dean Ashton committing his future to West Ham by signing a new five-year deal last night.
He is also hoping to raise the funds to bring John Arne Riise from his former club.

[davidmphill]

Andrea Dossena flies in to sign Liverpool FC deal

Jun 4 2008 by Tony Barrett
Andrea Dossena, Udinese _320

ANDREA DOSSENA was today undergoing a medical ahead of his expected £7m move to Liverpool.
The Italian left back is due to get married this weekend but such is his desire to sign for the Reds he has taken time out from his wedding preparations to fly to Merseyside to undergo his medical.
A fee in the region of £7m has been agreed with Udinese and terms have also been agreed with the player who was revealed as Rafa Benitez's number one target for the left back position last month.
The deal to sign him was held up by Udinese's initial demands with the Serie A club seeking up to £8m for the 26-year-old but a compromise has now been reached and, barring any last minute hitches, Dossena will become Liverpool's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Swiss right back Philipp Degen.
Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello admitted: "Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged all the documents via fax. The deal is practically done."
Although Dossena has not made the Italian national squad for the forthcoming European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, he is considered one of the most improved players in Italy over the last 12 months and his impressive displays for Udinese led to him being awarded his first full cap in a friendly against South Africa last season.
His form alerted Benitez, who had made the recruitment of a top class left back one of his priorities for this summer.
With the out of favour John Arne Riise having been told he has no future at Anfield, the Reds boss is hopeful of recouping the majority of his outlay on Dossena by selling the Norwegian defender – with AS Roma and Newcastle leading the chase for his services.
Dossena only recently signed a new four and a half year deal with Udinese but that has not stopped Liverpool from coming to an agreement with his club and Benitez will be delighted that another piece of his summer rebuilding programme now looks set to fall into place.

[davidmphill]

Liverpool stay in hunt for Ramsey

Jun 4 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post
LIVERPOOL are considering challenging for Aaron Ramsey’s signature after the Cardiff youngster’s move to Manchester United was thrown into doubt last night.
United announced they had snapped up for the 17-year-old winger before Cardiff issued a swift response denying a deal had been done. Arsenal joined the chase after City gave permission for £5million-rated Ramsey to open contract talks with Barclays Premier League clubs.
Liverpool are understood to have made an initial offer that fell short of that valuation, but are now considering a deal involving cash and a season’s loan of two youngsters, wide men Paul Anderson and Adam Hammill.
“We can confirm that on Tuesday, June 3, Cardiff City have received formal bids from three top Premier League teams for Aaron Ramsey and that he has been given permission to speak to two of these teams,” said a Cardiff statement. “One of these teams is Manchester United, as has been reported, although at this stage we can confirm that no deal has been done and the player has not yet agreed terms.
“More details will be made available as they are released to us.”
Ramsey, who has also interested Everton, has been labelled the next Ryan Giggs – something Manchester United were predictably only too keen to rush out when they released an official statement on their website.
It read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey, subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.
“Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country’s brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol, Ryan Giggs.”
Cardiff manager Dave Jones said: “Whatever happens, the move must be right for Aaron.
“I am sure he will make the right decision.
“When it came to this deal, we have always maintained that, of course, it had to be right for Cardiff City, but it also had to be the right move to continue Aaron’s development.
“He will become one of the best Welsh international players in history, but it is up to the kid now.”
Caerphilly-born Ramsey came to prominence this season and played his part in the Welsh club’s run to last month’s FA Cup final, which they lost to Portsmouth.
He overtook John Toshack as Cardiff’s youngest-ever senior player when he came on aged just 16 years and 123 days against Hull the season before last.
He was called up by national coach Toshack for Wales’ friendlies in Iceland and Holland last week, but is still to win his first senior cap

[aliando]

“Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country’s brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol, Ryan Giggs.”

this may highlight the guesswork of this article given that ramsey is a centre midfielder who has also filled in on the right side perhaps mixing him up with ledley who is left footed and plays left mid/left back as well as centre mid.!

[Darren]

Dossena deal has been on the brink of being done for a while, but still no official announcement. Its the same with Alonsos exit. Anyone know how good Dossena is? An attacking left back and attacking right back is exactly what we needed, but they'd needto be good enough as well.

Rafa said he wanted all his transfer business sorted early on so all playersare in before pre season. Well so far only Degen is signed, Dossena seemingly close, Barry transfer is well reported. But only the one done and dusted so far. Seems to be the same bloody way every season...Manager wants deals done fast, they end up arriving late July / early August.

[mileni4uk]

Gareth Barry has confirmed his desire to swap Aston Villa for Liverpool this summer.


The Villa captain is Rafa Benitez's top transfer target and the Liverpool boss has already had one £10million bid rejected.

Barry's agent, Alex Black, stated on Tuesday that the player was keen to leave Villa in search of UEFA Champions League football.

And Villa have now confirmed that Barry, who is believed to be valued at around £15m, has informed manager Martin O'Neill that he wants to join Liverpool.


In a statement Villa said: "Gareth Barry has stated in discussions with our manager he would like to leave Aston Villa to join Liverpool.

"But Liverpool's bid for the player has been rejected and they have been informed of Villa's continued position in this matter."

The presence of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who is a close friend of Barry, at Anfield is understood to be a major bargaining chip.

And Liverpool are expected to up their offer within the next 48 hours as they attempt to land England international Barry.