After Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez ended speculation over his future in signing a four-year contract extension worth around £20 million that will keep him at Anfield until 2014. Telegraph Sport looks at five possible transfer targets and players on the way out.
FIVE OUT
Jermaine Pennant (Free)
The former Arsenal and Birmingham winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, will not have his contract renewed after falling out with Benitez, with the manager concerned by his attitude in training.
Andriy Voronin (£2-3 million)
A flop in the Premier League, the Ukrainian has been in sparkling form since joining Hertha Berlin on loan. The Bundesliga remains his most likely destination, and Hertha his preferred move, should the Germans be able to find the cash.
Andrea Dossena (£4 million)
After early struggles at Anfield, Dossena’s two goals in two games suggest he is starting to find his feet, albeit as a left-winger and not a left-back. Benitez may be tempted to cash in, though, if a suitable offer from Italy arrives, with Juventus and Roma interested.
Philipp Degen (£1 million)
The Swiss full-back has featured just twice since his move from Borussia Dortmund after a succession of injuries. Benitez will surely move him on if he can find a buyer willing to take the risk.
Sami Hyypia (Free)
Benitez would be loathe to lose the former club captain, who proved at Old Trafford that he is more than capable of filling the breach when required. But the Finn, whose contract expires at the end of the season, may decide he wants one more year of playing regularly before hanging up his boots.
FIVE IN
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, £8 million)
Liverpool’s most obvious weakness is at right back, where there is no natural cover for Alvaro Arbeloa. Johnson, an England international, would provide a more attacking alternative and is likely to be available as Portsmouth look to ease their financial concerns.
David Wheater (Middlesbrough, £5 million)
Should the ever-reliable Sami Hyypia leave, Benitez is likely to look at the Middlesbrough man as a young, English replacement. The Spaniard knows he has to boost his English contingent to meet UEFA regulations and, should Boro be relegated, Wheater would be an economic option.
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham, £10 million)
Benitez tried to include the wide man as part of the Robbie Keane deal but Harry Redknapp was unwilling to budge. There are suggestions that Liverpool may go back in the summer as Benitez tries to add natural width to a team which struggles to break down compact opponents.
Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, £4 million)
The England under-21 international has struggled to break in to Chelsea’s side and Benitez, on the lookout for English players, would be tempted to bring in a defender equally comfortable at centre back or full back.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa, £15 million)
If Aston Villa fail to reach the Champions League, Barry may decide that he has to make the move he was dissuaded from last season. Benitez may choose to go back for the man who, ultimately, cost Rick Parry his job and is still keen on his dynamism and versatility.
FIVE OUT
Jermaine Pennant (Free)
The former Arsenal and Birmingham winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, will not have his contract renewed after falling out with Benitez, with the manager concerned by his attitude in training.
Andriy Voronin (£2-3 million)
A flop in the Premier League, the Ukrainian has been in sparkling form since joining Hertha Berlin on loan. The Bundesliga remains his most likely destination, and Hertha his preferred move, should the Germans be able to find the cash.
Andrea Dossena (£4 million)
After early struggles at Anfield, Dossena’s two goals in two games suggest he is starting to find his feet, albeit as a left-winger and not a left-back. Benitez may be tempted to cash in, though, if a suitable offer from Italy arrives, with Juventus and Roma interested.
Philipp Degen (£1 million)
The Swiss full-back has featured just twice since his move from Borussia Dortmund after a succession of injuries. Benitez will surely move him on if he can find a buyer willing to take the risk.
Sami Hyypia (Free)
Benitez would be loathe to lose the former club captain, who proved at Old Trafford that he is more than capable of filling the breach when required. But the Finn, whose contract expires at the end of the season, may decide he wants one more year of playing regularly before hanging up his boots.
FIVE IN
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth, £8 million)
Liverpool’s most obvious weakness is at right back, where there is no natural cover for Alvaro Arbeloa. Johnson, an England international, would provide a more attacking alternative and is likely to be available as Portsmouth look to ease their financial concerns.
David Wheater (Middlesbrough, £5 million)
Should the ever-reliable Sami Hyypia leave, Benitez is likely to look at the Middlesbrough man as a young, English replacement. The Spaniard knows he has to boost his English contingent to meet UEFA regulations and, should Boro be relegated, Wheater would be an economic option.
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham, £10 million)
Benitez tried to include the wide man as part of the Robbie Keane deal but Harry Redknapp was unwilling to budge. There are suggestions that Liverpool may go back in the summer as Benitez tries to add natural width to a team which struggles to break down compact opponents.
Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, £4 million)
The England under-21 international has struggled to break in to Chelsea’s side and Benitez, on the lookout for English players, would be tempted to bring in a defender equally comfortable at centre back or full back.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa, £15 million)
If Aston Villa fail to reach the Champions League, Barry may decide that he has to make the move he was dissuaded from last season. Benitez may choose to go back for the man who, ultimately, cost Rick Parry his job and is still keen on his dynamism and versatility.
No comments:
Post a Comment