Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly considering a £6million offer for Honduran International Wilson Palacios from Wigan Athletic. With Benitez singling out Palacios as a possible alternative to Albert Riera, should he fail to sign him from Espanyol.
Liverpool have turned their attention to 26-year-old Riera, now that any deal to bring Gareth Barry to Anfield from Aston Villa looks dead in the water. With the Merseyside club also looking at impressive Honduran Palacios as a viable alternative to the Spanish midfielder.
However, Benitez will have to make a really substantial offer if he is to prise Palacios away from the JJB Stadium, according to Latics manager Steve Bruce. It was Bruce that first brought the attacking-midfielder to the Premier League, when he was boss at Birmingham City.
“We are always going to be seen as little unfashionable Wigan but I know I have some really good players,” said Bruce.
“We have done very well to tie up some of our best players to long-term deals, especially Wilson Palacios. Wilson has the ability to go to the top.
“Last season he was linked with Manchester United - I don't know if there was interest, but it was speculated on because of my past links.
“We worked hard to tie him down and sign a new contract.
“He knows this year is a big one for him and it is going to be hard.
“But he wanted to stay here and it would take an amazing offer to get him off us bearing in mind some of the fees being paid out for some players at the moment.”
With Benitez still fuming at his American owner’s blocking his move for England International Barry. The Anfield board will have to appease him by bringing either Riera or Palacios to Merseyside. Otherwise they could be set to collide again in a repeat of last season.
Liverpool have turned their attention to 26-year-old Riera, now that any deal to bring Gareth Barry to Anfield from Aston Villa looks dead in the water. With the Merseyside club also looking at impressive Honduran Palacios as a viable alternative to the Spanish midfielder.
However, Benitez will have to make a really substantial offer if he is to prise Palacios away from the JJB Stadium, according to Latics manager Steve Bruce. It was Bruce that first brought the attacking-midfielder to the Premier League, when he was boss at Birmingham City.
“We are always going to be seen as little unfashionable Wigan but I know I have some really good players,” said Bruce.
“We have done very well to tie up some of our best players to long-term deals, especially Wilson Palacios. Wilson has the ability to go to the top.
“Last season he was linked with Manchester United - I don't know if there was interest, but it was speculated on because of my past links.
“We worked hard to tie him down and sign a new contract.
“He knows this year is a big one for him and it is going to be hard.
“But he wanted to stay here and it would take an amazing offer to get him off us bearing in mind some of the fees being paid out for some players at the moment.”
With Benitez still fuming at his American owner’s blocking his move for England International Barry. The Anfield board will have to appease him by bringing either Riera or Palacios to Merseyside. Otherwise they could be set to collide again in a repeat of last season.
No comments:
Post a Comment