A.B. wrote:Daily Mirror reports something different
RAFA BENITEZ hopes Luis Figo will be lured to Anfield by a £60,000-a-week contract offer.
The Liverpool boss is still waiting for news from Real Madrid over the proposed transfer of the Portuguese winger as he prepares for his side's Champions League second qualifying round tie with FBK Kaunas tonight.
Reports in Spain suggest Figo will finally resolve his dispute with the Madrid giants when he returns from the club's pre-season tour of Japan later this week, clearing the way for a move to Merseyside.
Benitez has revealed that he will buy a right-sided midfielder before the start of the new Premiership campaign.
And after initially dismissing Liverpool's chances of signing Figo, 32, the Spanish coach revealed yesterday that the deal could be back on.
"We are waiting for news, we have heard nothing as yet," he said. "We are in Lithuania and he is flying from Japan so maybe we will hear something later in the week."
Figo has been in dispute with Real over the payment of the final year of his contract.
With Liverpool offering a massive cut in wages of around £60,000 a week, he wants to be paid up by the Spanish club.
They have so far refused, saying that he must be paid by the club he agrees to sign for. But Madrid don't want to be lumbered with a player who is no longer in their plans for another season and will finally accept a compromise solution.
Benitez also indicated that there could be some progress in his attempt to offload Milan Baros. The Czech striker is likely to be on the bench against Kaunas this evening, but it will be a major surprise if he is used.
Aston Villa have been tracking Baros and are expected to table an offer of £5m on Liverpool's return this week
That was said last night, SSN reported today he is set for Inter but it is not concrete as it was from a conversation with an Italian correspondant/journalist saying Figo's reps are in Milan now. He also claimed that the money issues revolving Figo were concluded. I am hoping it is bollox and I still think he could be coming to Liverpool but looking ominous...
