Friday, September 05, 2008

Jermaine Pennant Still In Liverpool FC Plans

RAFAEL BENITEZ has assured Jermaine Pennant he won’t freeze him out at Liverpool.

The Anfield manager was prepared to let the winger leave the club during the recent transfer window.

Pennant had talks with both Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers but ultimately declined the advances of both clubs.

The winger has fallen down the pecking order at Liverpool and has not even made the bench since being an unused substitute in the opening game at Standard Liege.

However, Benitez believes Pennant could still prove a useful squad member and has pencilled in the 25-year-old for an appearance in the Carling Cup clash against Crewe on September 23.

Liverpool may also look to extend Pennant’s contract at Anfield. The winger has entered the final 12 months of the three-year deal he signed when he arrived from Birmingham City for £6.7m in July 2006.

Liverpool have the option to invoke a one-year extension, a course they may choose to follow to prevent Pennant walking out of the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

No comments: