Robben?
Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:06 pmLiverpool manager Rafa Benitez was put on red alert last night after reports spread that Manchester United were after the signature of Arjen Robben.
The Spanish tactician has been a long time admirer of the winger, and could go head-to-head with bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson for the Madrid maestro’s signature.
The Dutch international is believed to cost a fee in the region of £18 million, and Manchester United hold the aces with the Glazers prepared to back Ferguson with funds for a stellar signing before the window shuts in 8 days.
In contrast, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have spent the summer restructuring the clubs debts and, as a result, Benitez has been told he has no more money to spend.
However, the Liverpool boss knows the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid could work in his favour.
The Reds boss will want the funds from the Alonso transfer to be available for players if they become available, and reports in the Spanish press suggest Robben has.
Benitez was believed to be chasing Robben as recently as March, and Madrid were considering offering the player as part of a deal for Alonso before they completed the transfer in August.
The Spanish tactician could also raise funds by offloading winger Ryan Babel. Benitez has said in no uncertain terms that Babel is on his last chance to perform, although the player could bring in some much needed revenue with a possible £8 million move.
Arsenal and Turkish giants Galatasary have both been linked with the player in the past, as have former club Ajax, although they would only be willing to take him on a loan deal.
Benitez sees Robben as the world class winger he has been yearning for since moves for David Silva and Franck Ribery fell through.
The pacey wideman has expressed an interest to return to the Premier League after Real Madrid chiefs made it clear that he has no long-term future at the Bernabeu, although his father and agent, Hans Robben, ruled out a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spanish tactician has been a long time admirer of the winger, and could go head-to-head with bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson for the Madrid maestro’s signature.
The Dutch international is believed to cost a fee in the region of £18 million, and Manchester United hold the aces with the Glazers prepared to back Ferguson with funds for a stellar signing before the window shuts in 8 days.
In contrast, Tom Hicks and George Gillett have spent the summer restructuring the clubs debts and, as a result, Benitez has been told he has no more money to spend.
However, the Liverpool boss knows the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid could work in his favour.
The Reds boss will want the funds from the Alonso transfer to be available for players if they become available, and reports in the Spanish press suggest Robben has.
Benitez was believed to be chasing Robben as recently as March, and Madrid were considering offering the player as part of a deal for Alonso before they completed the transfer in August.
The Spanish tactician could also raise funds by offloading winger Ryan Babel. Benitez has said in no uncertain terms that Babel is on his last chance to perform, although the player could bring in some much needed revenue with a possible £8 million move.
Arsenal and Turkish giants Galatasary have both been linked with the player in the past, as have former club Ajax, although they would only be willing to take him on a loan deal.
Benitez sees Robben as the world class winger he has been yearning for since moves for David Silva and Franck Ribery fell through.
The pacey wideman has expressed an interest to return to the Premier League after Real Madrid chiefs made it clear that he has no long-term future at the Bernabeu, although his father and agent, Hans Robben, ruled out a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Yep, like that GYBS. Good response mate