Saturday, December 27, 2008

Liverpool Winger Pennant Eager To Revive His Real Madrid Deal


The surprise transfer of Jermaine Pennant to Real Madrid could be resurrected today when Juande Ramos meets the Spanish champions’ money men to insist he still wants the deal to go ahead.

Pennant, 26, has expressed a desire to join the Spanish club rather than become a free agent at the end of the season, and believes he can force himself into the starting line-up, alongside some of the biggest names in European football.

Sportsmail revealed how Real had agreed to pay Liverpool £3.5million for the former Arsenal winger.

A Madrid source confirmed: ‘Pennant interests our coach because he is quick and can provide crosses. He’s the type we’re looking for — and at the right price. If terms can be agreed, there’s a chance a transfer may happen in January.’

The deal appeared to have collapsed because Madrid insist on a non-negotiable salary of around £30,000 a week. But sources close to Pennant last night stressed he has not priced himself out of any transfer.

‘Jermaine has not made outrageous demands,’ said a friend. ‘It is wrong to say this — he is a player with much to offer and is keen to see what’s available.’

Pennant’s agent Sky Andrew is due for initial talks with Real, if Ramos can convince the club to pay the fee and salary package.

Figures of £60,000 a week given to the club relating to Pennant’s wage demands did not come from Andrew, who remains confident his negotiating skills mean a deal is still possible.

Pennant has only started two Barclays Premier League matches for Liverpool this season and a loan transfer to Stoke or Wigan is also an option.

Wigan winger Antonio Valencia remains a target for Madrid, but the asking price of at least £15m is beyond the budget of the Spanish giants, who recently captured Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth.

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