Liverpool FC Forum

by **Leonmc0708** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:18 pm

A total of six spanish based players linked with us on sky sports in one day...

REDS WANT SPANISH DUO
Wednesday 30th June 2004

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez could be heading back to Spain to make his first new signing, with midfielder Xabi Alonso and Ruben Baraja on his wanted list.

The news that skipper Steven Gerrard will be staying at Anfield is a major boost for Benitez, but he is looking to pair the England international with another top-class midfielder.

Real Sociedad man Xabi Alonso is thought to be a target for Benitez, although he seems more likely to sign for Real Madrid.

A move to El Santiago Bernabeu was thought to be done and dusted but a financial agreement could not be found between the clubs, and the deal has stalled.

The player is keen to join the Spanish giants, however, and Spain's dismal showing in Euro 2004 means that Sociedad may be forced to lower their valuation of the player.

Benitez would be keen to nip in and swoop for Alonso but he faces a tough task, while he also has an eye on former club Valencia.

Ruben Baraja was a lynch-pin of his successful side at Estadio Mestalla with his commanding displays in the middle of the park.

Che officials are resigned to loosing a number of their top stars as their debts increase despite their Primera Liga and Uefa Cup glory last term.

The 28-year-old is valued at around the £12 million mark, but Benitez could try and offload some of his Anfield flops as makeweights in any deal.

New Valencia boss Claudio Ranieri may face a tough task in defending their title next term, as Argentinian stars Pablo Aimar and Roberto Ayala may also be sold - with Benitez at the head of the queue should they become available.

by **Leonmc0708** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:19 pm

MALAGA CONFIRM BENITEZ ENQUIRIES
Wednesday 30th June 2004

New Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could be ready to return to Spain and raid Malaga as he looks to make his first signings at Anfield.

The former Valencia coach is thought to be keeping tabs on Malaga quartet Miguel Angel, Josemi, Alexis and Juan Calatayud as he begins his Anfield revolution.

Defensive midfielder Angel is believed to be Benitez's top target as he seeks a partner for Steven Gerrard in the engine room next season.

Benitez is a big fan of the former Levante and Barcelona man after monitoring him during his time in charge at La Mestalla.

Angel has attracted the interest of Aston Villa and Bolton in the past and now Liverpool are tracking him.

Malaga technical secretary Manuel Ruiz Hierro admitted that Benitez had asked to be kept informed of Angel's availability.

"They have asked about his situation, but there has not been an economic offer," said Hierro.

"Rafael Benitez knows the player well."

Benitez has also asked about the availability of full back Josemi, central defender Alexis, and goalkeeper Juan Calatayud.

Josemi is highly regarded in Spain and he has been linked with moves to Real Betis and Atletico Madrid.

Alexis is very much one for the future at Malaga and has played for Spain at youth level.

Aston Villa have also been tracking the 18-year-old and reportedly failed in a bid for him last year

Goalkeeper Calatayud is still to establish himself as a regular in the Malaga side, but he is highly thought of within the corridors of La Rosaleda.

Malaga B team coach Antonio Tapia confirmed he had talked with friend Benitez about all four players.

"He has asked for reports on all these players," said Tapia.

Should Benitez follow up his interest with bids for any of the players, it is likely that Malaga would have listen to offers due to their financial constraints.

by **Rafa** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:20 pm

LOL seen that also, never heard of the Malaga players but Baraja and Alonso are a different matter. Two players Liverpool could defientely do wiv i tell thee :blues:

by **Starbridge42** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 12:26 pm

Baraja is sheer class. He'd get the nod in the centre of the park in my Primera Liga First XI.

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