Rafael Benitez has received a double boost in his bid to raise transfer funds for Gareth Barry and David Silva.
Juventus have re-iterated their intention to go for Xabi Alonso after initially being frightened off by his asking price.
And George Gillett hinted there might be more money available in the transfer window as he and co-owner Tom Hicks are fixing their feud.
But Benitez must generate more funds on top of the £4m for John Arne Riise from Roma if he is to land his targets.
However, Juve’s renewed confidence that they will sign Alonso could yield another £15m for the kitty.
The Italians have been previously put off by Liverpool’s £16m price tag but although they have yet to make an official bid, they will to seek a compromise by coming up from their £14m valuation.
Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc said: “Xabi Alonso? It’s an operation that we’re taking forward and we’ll compare him to other deals which could be done. We’re following more than three footballers. We’re looking for a very talented midfielder – there’s not many of those around and some of them aren’t available.
“We have to talk first with the club and then with the player. Only one of these deals will be done.”
With possible sales of Peter Crouch and Scott Carson also lined up, Benitez seems certain to have the funds to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of Barry, with Liverpool likely to need to bid £18m.
Attempts to sign Spanish midfielder David SIlva will be more difficult, however, with the £20m needed to tempt him away from Valencia beyond Benitez’s current means.
But Gillett did indicate that there could be room for negotiation with the manager as he seeks the strengthening needed for a shot at the Premier League next season.
Gillett said: “All of us are focused on the transfer window and we want to be ready for that, and we want to have adequate resources and good communication with Rafa. Our hope is that we’re making better progress.
“What did I think of last season’s performance? I’d rather let the fans make that decision. But for a club that has a history of winning trophies, any season that you don’t win one of the five or six trophies that we compete for, I suspect the fans, as well as the Hicks and Gilletts, are disappointed.
“But overall I felt that the team played quite well, particularly beginning and late. I think they were very representative and I think (Fernando) Torres was a wonderful selection.
“By summer, I think the rest of the boys played quite well and we have to help Rafa try and be more competitive in the chase for the Premier League.
“It’s fair to say that communication between the Hicks and the Gilletts has been substantially improved and I believe that it will be for the benefit of the club,” said Gillett, whose stance was backed up by sources close to Hicks last night.
He added: “I believe that the Hicks family are communicating better with us and we’re communicating better with them and I think that will be much better for the club.”
Gillett refused to confirm whether this meant he no longer wanted to sell his half of the club to DIC.
Juventus have re-iterated their intention to go for Xabi Alonso after initially being frightened off by his asking price.
And George Gillett hinted there might be more money available in the transfer window as he and co-owner Tom Hicks are fixing their feud.
But Benitez must generate more funds on top of the £4m for John Arne Riise from Roma if he is to land his targets.
However, Juve’s renewed confidence that they will sign Alonso could yield another £15m for the kitty.
The Italians have been previously put off by Liverpool’s £16m price tag but although they have yet to make an official bid, they will to seek a compromise by coming up from their £14m valuation.
Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc said: “Xabi Alonso? It’s an operation that we’re taking forward and we’ll compare him to other deals which could be done. We’re following more than three footballers. We’re looking for a very talented midfielder – there’s not many of those around and some of them aren’t available.
“We have to talk first with the club and then with the player. Only one of these deals will be done.”
With possible sales of Peter Crouch and Scott Carson also lined up, Benitez seems certain to have the funds to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of Barry, with Liverpool likely to need to bid £18m.
Attempts to sign Spanish midfielder David SIlva will be more difficult, however, with the £20m needed to tempt him away from Valencia beyond Benitez’s current means.
But Gillett did indicate that there could be room for negotiation with the manager as he seeks the strengthening needed for a shot at the Premier League next season.
Gillett said: “All of us are focused on the transfer window and we want to be ready for that, and we want to have adequate resources and good communication with Rafa. Our hope is that we’re making better progress.
“What did I think of last season’s performance? I’d rather let the fans make that decision. But for a club that has a history of winning trophies, any season that you don’t win one of the five or six trophies that we compete for, I suspect the fans, as well as the Hicks and Gilletts, are disappointed.
“But overall I felt that the team played quite well, particularly beginning and late. I think they were very representative and I think (Fernando) Torres was a wonderful selection.
“By summer, I think the rest of the boys played quite well and we have to help Rafa try and be more competitive in the chase for the Premier League.
“It’s fair to say that communication between the Hicks and the Gilletts has been substantially improved and I believe that it will be for the benefit of the club,” said Gillett, whose stance was backed up by sources close to Hicks last night.
He added: “I believe that the Hicks family are communicating better with us and we’re communicating better with them and I think that will be much better for the club.”
Gillett refused to confirm whether this meant he no longer wanted to sell his half of the club to DIC.
1 comment:
I think Liverpool should scrap the idea of getting barry and focus on attaining silva and robbie keane as they really need a winger and a strike partner for torres.
Post a Comment