Alvaro Arbeloa has echoed the thoughts of all Premier League defenders – by admitting he hopes Cristiano Ronaldo joins his former club Real Madrid.
The Liverpool defender, who began his career at the Bernabeu, was on the receiving end of the Manchester United winger’s brilliance last season, when he scored 42 goals as they clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.
And Ronaldo’s departure would be a blessing for many Premier League defenders, according to the Spain international, who is currently away with his country for Euro 2008.
“If he leaves, Manchester United would lose the best player in the world,” said Arbeloa. “I would be delighted if Ronaldo leaves and more so if it is to my former team.”
“Let’s hope Real Madrid make an effort. For me it would be fantastic. I would thank them.”
Ronaldo is a target for the Spanish giants, although several weeks of claim and counter-claim have failed to result in a deal.
United insist the Portugal international is not for sale while Madrid are waiting for the player to announce his future plans.
But the disruption the saga is causing to United’s preparations for next season can only be of encouragement to their top four rivals.
In terms of Liverpool’s own prospected transfer window business, Newcastle United seem set to take steps to ensure James Milner stays at the club.
Rafael Benitez was prepared to go to £7m including Danny Guthrie for the 22-year-old winger but with sources in the north east claiming £9m is closer to United’s valuation, the Liverpool manager’s interest has cooled considerably.
With Benitez still intending to raise the cash to secure Gareth Barry’s transfer from Aston Villa and possibly David Silva from Valencia, he won’t break his policy of refusing to pay above the odds for a player with no significant Champions League or international experience.
In terms of netting extra transfer funds, he is also holding out for the right price for Peter Crouch, as Portsmouth consider following up their rejected £9m bid with the £10m that is closer to Liverpool’s asking price.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said: “I'd love to bring Crouchie back here.
“We are trying to do deals to bring in players and Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.
“But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price.
“It seems like things are getting a bit too expensive.
“Crouchie is a player who is on our list, but if nothing can be done then we will just move on to the next player.”
The Liverpool defender, who began his career at the Bernabeu, was on the receiving end of the Manchester United winger’s brilliance last season, when he scored 42 goals as they clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.
And Ronaldo’s departure would be a blessing for many Premier League defenders, according to the Spain international, who is currently away with his country for Euro 2008.
“If he leaves, Manchester United would lose the best player in the world,” said Arbeloa. “I would be delighted if Ronaldo leaves and more so if it is to my former team.”
“Let’s hope Real Madrid make an effort. For me it would be fantastic. I would thank them.”
Ronaldo is a target for the Spanish giants, although several weeks of claim and counter-claim have failed to result in a deal.
United insist the Portugal international is not for sale while Madrid are waiting for the player to announce his future plans.
But the disruption the saga is causing to United’s preparations for next season can only be of encouragement to their top four rivals.
In terms of Liverpool’s own prospected transfer window business, Newcastle United seem set to take steps to ensure James Milner stays at the club.
Rafael Benitez was prepared to go to £7m including Danny Guthrie for the 22-year-old winger but with sources in the north east claiming £9m is closer to United’s valuation, the Liverpool manager’s interest has cooled considerably.
With Benitez still intending to raise the cash to secure Gareth Barry’s transfer from Aston Villa and possibly David Silva from Valencia, he won’t break his policy of refusing to pay above the odds for a player with no significant Champions League or international experience.
In terms of netting extra transfer funds, he is also holding out for the right price for Peter Crouch, as Portsmouth consider following up their rejected £9m bid with the £10m that is closer to Liverpool’s asking price.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said: “I'd love to bring Crouchie back here.
“We are trying to do deals to bring in players and Peter Storrie is working on trying to get things done.
“But the fee seems a bit too high, and at the end of the day it comes down to the price.
“It seems like things are getting a bit too expensive.
“Crouchie is a player who is on our list, but if nothing can be done then we will just move on to the next player.”
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