Thursday, September 10, 2009

Liverpool Launched Failed £19 Million Summer Bid For Atletico Madrid Star Simao


Portugal and Atletico Madrid midfielder Simao Sabrosa has apparently once again remained beyond Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's grasp, as details have emerged that Atletico's director of sport, Jesus Garcia Pitarch, refused to sell Simao, one of the club's prized assets, to the Reds this summer.

Liverpool apparently tabled a £19 million bid for the versatile attacker, according to Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias. Benitez has been trying to bring Simao to Anfield since as far back as 2005 in an effort to bolster his side's offensive options.

The Reds were not the only club pursuing the ex-Benfica player's services during this past transfer window. Juventus were reportedly rejected in their £22 million bid, while Lyon and Paris-St Germain had similar ill-luck in their attempts to sign the 29-year-old.

Benitez was forced to replace midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer after the Spaniard was transferred to Real Madrid. The Reds' manager chose to recruit Roma's £20 million midfielder Alberto Aquilani to replace Alonso in the middle of the park.

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