by cpc4eva » Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:10 pm
http://au.setanta.com/portal/article/football::england?open&articleid=14514c16bd46274d8025731e00417800&ref=rss
Friday, 20 July 21:55 AET Digg This!
Liverpool have reportedly been beaten by Atletico Madrid to the signature of long-term target Simao Sabrosa.
Mixed reports in Portugal have revealed both clubs lodged a bid for the Benfica player, a man Rafa Benitez has wanted for three consecutive summers.
According to Correio da Manha, Liverpool made a £15million offer for the former Barcelona star, nearly double what they have gone to in the past.
However, Atletico have beaten The Reds to the punch with an earlier bid of around £13.5million, and it is believed Simao has not joined Benfica's tour of Romania in order to tie up a deal in Spain.
The news will come as a blow to Benitez, who still only has the one option for an out-and-out right winger in Jermaine Pennant.
Meanwhile, Atletico midfielde maestro Maniche is hopeful Simao does join Los Colchoneros, after they missed out on fellow Portuguese star Ricardo Quaresma.
"Simão is different to Quaresma," Maniche told Marca.
"He does not dribble in such a way, but he has more experience. Also he would be very welcome.
"The two would be very important reinforcements, without a doubt, they would give more quality to Athletico Madrid."
