Monday, July 19, 2010

Liverpool Give Fernando Torres And Steven Gerrard 14 Days To Decide Their Futures


Liverpool want their stellar performers Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to decide their futures in the next 14 days and end the prolonged transfer speculation.

According to the News of the World, new Kop boss Roy Hodgson will hold further talks with his £30 million-rated captain Gerrard when he returns to training on Tuesday.

Hodgon's transfer plans have been left in limbo this summer as the club waits for clarification on the duo's future.

The self imposed two week deadline from the Anfield chiefs signals their desire to put the whole saga behind them, and it is believed that if the pair do not ask for a transfer before the end of July they will be remaining with the Merseysiders for next season.

There is increased optimism that both stay with the Reds for the 2010-11 campaign, something that will give Hodgson £40m transfer war-chest, provided Javier Mascherano's move to Inter Milan gets the green-light.

If the star pair do leave, the kitty will rise to almost £140m, allowing Hodgson to bid for high-profile replacements.

Currently, as the Reds prepare for their Europa League qualifiers, Hodgson is struggling to field a competitive side as he awaits the return of his World Cup 2010 participants.

Having allowed Emiliano Insua to leave for Fiorentina for a fee in the region of £5m, and transfer listed youngsters Nabil El Zhar and Damien Plessis, the Merseysiders are in desperate need of fresh blood.

It is hoped that England World Cup players Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher will be available for selection for the second leg of the qualifier, with either Macedonia FK Rabotnicki or Armenia's FC Mika their likely opponents.

However, is believed that such is the shortage of first-team star, that Liverpool will ask 'keeper Pepe Reina to return from holiday earlier than expected and take his place between the sticks for the first qualifier.

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