Liverpool FC Forum

by **metalhead** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:40 pm

don't underestimate rafa, he can turn him into a winger

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:07 pm

Liverpool to miss out on Diego deal?

Potential Liverpool target Diego could be heading to Italy to join Juventus according to reports in Italian media rather than British shores as suggested in some British quarters this week. Diego has been in excellent form this season for his side Werder Bremen and has also caught the eye of Real Madrid, Inter Milan as well as Liverpool.

The attacking midfielder is a crucial part of the Werder team and Liverpool potentially hoping to emulate the success that Manchester City have enjoyed with the transfer of Elano, a similar type of player to his compatriot, have also expressed an interest in acquiring the player.

Diego is currently the top scorer in the Bundesliga with 9 goals alongside Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni. Playing behind the strikers in the Werder Bremen side Diego not only sets up goals for the strikers playing ahead of him but also makes runs ahead of the forward line to create space. The player initially caught the eye with Santos in Brazil playing in the side that reached the Copa Libertadores final playing alongside the like of Robinho, Alex and Elano.

An early move to Europe with Porto as a replacement for Deco, who had left the previous summer for Barcelona, failed to work out as Diego was unable to settle in Portugal and he opted for a move to North Germany 18 months ago. Surprisingly Diego was an instant hit in the faster paced Bundesliga and the more foreign surroundings of Germany and last season claimed 13 goals in just 33 league matches.

This season hasn't been quite as profitable as the early part was lost to injury. Once back in the team it didn't take long for Diego to find his old form and an assist against Real Madrid at the Bernabeau prompted the management of the Spanish giants to declare an interest in the talented player.

Juventus have since registered their interest as well as they look for a world class creative midfielder and there is no doubt that Diego fits the bills. The Juventus management has also been looking at Rafael van der Vaart currently under contract at Werder's near neighbours HSV Hamburg so their intentions regarding Diego aren't entirely clear at the moment.

Therefore if Liverpool do wish to make a move for the player they may face some stiff competition for Diego's signature. It is believed that Werder are ready to talk to potential bidders but have set an asking price at a hefty 26 million Euros, a fee of around £20 million. With doubts still surrounding the long term future of Rafael Benitez as well as the burden of financing the move to the new stadium such hefty transfer fees as the one shelled out for Fernando Torres and potentially for Diego could become a thing of the past.

There are also question marks about whether Diego would fit into the Liverpool system. The current Werder system is built around Diego with the Brazilian playing at the front of a diamond in midfield with two forwards ahead of him. Given licence to drift around the pitch to find space where he sees fit it is almost impossible to envisage how Diego could possibly fit into a midfield containing Steven Gerrard, who already fulfils this role.

Furthermore given his relatively small stature, Diego stands at only 5"9, it is hard to see how he could play in the Premiership in the front line against physically imposing defenders, if Liverpool wish to employ him there. Whilst Liverpool may be casting envious glances at the success of Elano in the light blue of Manchester City this season since his arrival at Eastlands, the management at Anfield would do well to remember that Santos managed to fit both players into the same team. Although both relish playing behind the front line Elano is far taller than Diego and can therefore function with greater ease as withdrawn forward.

Diego has a contract to bind him to Werder until 2012 and the player has underlined the fact that he won't jeopardize relations with his current employers as he attempts to secure a move to a bigger club. Responding to the recent transfer speculation Diego is quoted as saying: "I am happy at Bremen, and I won't declare war on the club. I would treat the club properly".

Werder may well have already planned for his departures after acquiring Mesut Ozil from Schalke in the winter transfer window. The current German U21 international has been unable to get much first team football at the Veltins Arena with Croat midfielder Ivan Rakitic blocking his path to the first team. Ozil is also a left footer and plays usually in the hole behind the strikers so there Klaus Allofs, Werder Sporting Director, may have already decided all there is left to do with regard to Diego is to agree a fee.

Whether Diego will be wearing the red of Liverpool come August is highly debatable but the talented playmaker would grace any European team at the very highest level.

Posted by Walter Townsend on Friday, 8th February 2008

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:03 pm

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is attracting a growing list of admirers from Spain.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are already rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 25 year old Spaniard, who has made 32 appearances for the Reds this season.

Now Villarreal are believed to have joined in the hunting pack who are hoping to tempt the Liverpool number 1 back to his homeland.

by **ruskiy playmaker** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:46 am

s@int wrote:Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is attracting a growing list of admirers from Spain.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are already rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 25 year old Spaniard, who has made 32 appearances for the Reds this season.

Now Villarreal are believed to have joined in the hunting pack who are hoping to tempt the Liverpool number 1 back to his homeland.

I wonder how much he would be worth, just out of curiosity?

by **Reg** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:27 pm

and how much would we have to pay to replace him ?? Makes no sense at all to sell him.

by **JoeTerp** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:53 pm

he just said he was curious, but I guess that is what killed the cat and Reina reminds me of a big cat sometimes

by **Ciggy** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:30 am

LFC rumour mill: Liverpool FC linked with David Bentley, David Villa, David Wheater and others
Feb 11 2008

LIVERPOOL are being linked with Lyon striker Karim Benzema, according to latest rumours.

Rafa Benitez is said to be a big fan of the free-scoring striker, who some see as possible partner for Fernando Torres.

Manchester United and Arsenal are also said to be in the running.

* * *

DAVID Villa, David Bentley and David Wheater are all being tipped for summer moves to Anfield.

Villa, who has played alongside Fernando Torres, is said to have caught Rafa Benitez’s eye but any move would involve seeing off interest from Arsenal and Manchester United for the Valencia man.

David Bentley, following his strong performance for England last week, is also being tipped for a move to Anfield.

Bentley’s good season to date make him a possible candidate to leave Ewood Park, with the traditional big four all being linked with him.

And finalley, there’s David Wheater, the Middlesbrough defender, is also said to be a possible summer Rafa target.

Benitez is said to be keen to further strengthen his back line.

* * *

ARSENAL want Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, according to reports.

Some more excessive rumours suggest that Theo Walcott may come the other way, but a £17million fee is being touted around in the Press for Babel.

[url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/02/11/lfc-rumour-mill-liverpool-fc-linked-with-david-bentley-david-villa-david-wheater-and-other
s-64375-20463084/]http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpo....0463084[/url]

Babel was at the Arsenal game last night with Van Persie. :glare:

by **account deleted by request** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:50 am

I would take a straight swop Babel for Van Persie, but not for Walcott.

by **mistyred** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:20 pm

s@int wrote:I would take a straight swop Babel for Van Persie, but not for Walcott.

Saint are you crazy? Babel will be a world beater in a year mate :;):

all that pace and power good finisher great dribbling speed.

Nope i would give Babel next season then rob Arsenal for Van Persie :eyebrow

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:47 pm

s@int wrote:Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is attracting a growing list of admirers from Spain.

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are already rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 25 year old Spaniard, who has made 32 appearances for the Reds this season.

Now Villarreal are believed to have joined in the hunting pack who are hoping to tempt the Liverpool number 1 back to his homeland.

No way he;s one of the best keepers now and he's so young , if they want him slap a 20 mill price tag

by **Toffeehater** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:48 pm

ruskiy playmaker wrote:Livepool line up move for Real Zaragoza star Sergio Garcia

08/02/2008

Liverpool are planning a summer bid for Real Zaragoza's attacking midfielder Sergio Garcia, according to reports in Spain.

The 24-year-old has attracted the interest of Rafa Benitez after scoring 13 goals in 74 league games for Zaragoza.

Garcia is under contract until 2011, but a clause could allow Liverpool to snap him up in the summer for around £12million.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport....0312734

garcia can play as a striker also right? well according to Championship manager

by **NANNY RED** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:56 pm

Ciggy wrote:LFC rumour mill: Liverpool FC linked with David Bentley, David Villa, David Wheater and others
Feb 11 2008

* * *

.

David Bentley, following his strong performance for England last week, is also being tipped for a move to Anfield.

Bentley’s good season to date make him a possible candidate to leave Ewood Park, with the traditional big four all being linked with him.

Love to have him cigg and Pennant is a good mate of his aswell they played together for years at Arsenal

by **account deleted by request** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:25 pm

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Real Madrid star heading for Liverpool?!?
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is believed to be keen on Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

Tuttosport are reporting that the Merseyside club, along with Inter Milan have already been in touch with players agent regarding his future.

Seen a few reports that we are interested (maybe a replacement for Alonso?)

by **JC_81** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:04 pm

Wouldn't take Diarra from Madrid to be honest. He's a bit of a Sissoko for me. Breaks up the play well, but wasteful in possession. Not a bad player, but not as good as Mascherano. Plus there's a lad in the reserves, Plessis, who I like and I think he'd be a decent back-up defensive mid for the 1st team by next year.

Like the sounds of the Bentley and Villa rumours, both quality and both positions we need to strengthen in. Can't see us getting Villa, but I'd keep my eye on the Bentley situation.

As for the Babel to Arsenal rumours, can't see that being anything other than bollox. 17 million? The reason we got him ahead of Arsenal in the first place was that they were put off by the 11 million price. He's a good prospect, but if it were the other way around I wouldn't be wanting us to pay Arsenal 17 million for him from what I've seen.

by **account deleted by request** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 1:14 am

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Liverpool eye £20 million Alonso replacement
According to reports in Tuttosport, Liverpool are interested in Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra.

The player may be let leave Madrid in the summer due to the terrific form of Real midfielder Fernando Gago which has seen Diarra lose his place.

Diarra has only returned to the Santiago Bernabeu after representing Mali in the recent African Cup of Nations. Diarra, 26, has been linked with a move to the Premier League before with Man United supposedly interested in him before his move to Real two years ago.

With the possible departure of Xabi Alonso in the summer I can see Diarra maybe joining Rafa Benitez' men. He is a strong midfielder who I think would be a superb addition to the Liverpool squad although I don't see Benitez paying up the rumoured £20 million for the former Lyon man.

£20Million sounds a bit steep to me. Can't really see this one coming off to be honest. I think Alonso will leave , but I think if we are going to spend that kind of money it will be on a creative player not a destroyer.

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