Sunday, July 15, 2012

Borini Makes Reds Move

Liverpool have announced that Fabio Borini will be turning out at Anfield next season, with the striker having completed a move from Serie A outfit Roma.

The Italy international has passed a medical and signed a long-term contract.

His arrival on Merseyside makes him Brendan Rodgers' first signing since taking the Reds' managerial reins.

Borini is a man Rodgers knows well, having previously worked with him in Chelsea's academy system and during his time in charge of Swansea City.

Liverpool believes the 21-year-old represents sound transfer business, as he is one for the present and future.

Borini has a proven track record when it comes to finding the target and formed part of Italy's squad at Euro 2012.

He will be hoping to hit the ground running upon his return to England, with a first taste of the Premier League awaiting him.

"Liverpool has confirmed they have completed the signing of AS Roma forward Fabio Borini," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"The Italy international has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds after agreeing terms and passing a medical at Melwood.

Rodgers Backs Borini To Shine

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that the club's fans will "love" new signing Fabio Borini.

The Reds and Roma have finalised a deal, which will see Borini put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Anfield, worth approximately £7.9 million.

"Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future," Rodgers told Liverpool's website.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration are very important parts of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player.

"I think the supporters will love him. He's a multi-functional player who can play in a number of positions and someone I believe has got great growth.

"I'd anticipate that over the next two or three years he'll really progress and I'm sure do very well for Liverpool.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.

"Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

Borini Knew He Would Be Back

Fabio Borini has expressed his delight at securing a return to English football with Liverpool, while Brendan Rodgers has saluted his first Reds signing.

Italy international Borini has completed a switch to Anfield after passing a medical and putting pen to paper on a long-term contract.

His arrival on Merseyside from Italian outfit Roma offers him the chance to work closely with Rodgers again, a man he knows well from his days with Chelsea and Swansea City.

Borini has been snapped up to add a different dimension to Liverpool's attacking unit, and the 21-year-old is confident he can deliver the goods in the Premier League.

He told the club's official website: "I felt really good because I wanted to come back to England one day. I knew sooner or later I would be back.

"Being back with Liverpool is even better because I can show the people what I can do - we've got the Europa League and lots of things to play for.

"I hope to achieve the maximum I can, by scoring goals, getting into the Champions League and all of the things the club also wants - and all the other players.

"It's a top club that has won a lot of trophies in the past, and will do so in the future we hope as well."

Borini becomes Rodgers' first piece of transfer business since he inherited the managerial reins at Anfield from Kenny Dalglish.

Adam - Reds Must Change Luck

Charlie Adam insists Liverpool must 'change their own luck' this term as they look to put last season's disappointment behind them.

The Reds finished eighth in the Premier League last term - their lowest finish in 18 years.

Midfielder Adam believes bad luck played its part in their poor campaign and is determined they can come back stronger this season under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

He told the Daily Star: "They say the table doesn't lie but we didn't deserve to finish eighth. If we had had a bit of luck on our side we probably would have finished higher.

"But it's done and gone now. We move forward and hopefully we will finish better than we did last season.

"I can't believe the amount of times we drew at home. It was incredible but you have got to change your own luck.

"If we work hard and do the right things next season we will be further up the table.

"This is one of the best clubs in the world and the opportunity to play here is a dream for any player.

"We have the right people on board and the right players. Hopefully we can keep progressing as a club. Bridging that gap doesn't happen overnight.

"But if you have the right balance, the right group of players and you work hard, you never know what can happen."

Adam believes a lack of consistency is where the Reds fell down last season, adding: "Manchester City and United were up there last time because they were consistent the whole season.

"We were inconsistent. We drew too many games."

The Scotland midfielder says Liverpool's players are desperate to return to the UEFA Champions League.

"Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. It's the pinnacle," he said.

"For us, we're in the Europa League. We want to try and get into the group stages and try and win every game.

"That's the expectation of this club. It's the expectation of the supporters and the players inside the dressing room."

Lambert Will Not Rule Out Villa Move For Carroll

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert refused to rule out a loan move for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

Lambert watched his Villa side defeat Burton Albion in a pre-season friendly, thanks to an own goal and a strike from new signing Brett Holman.

Post-match attentions turned to Villa's summer transfer activity, with Lambert linked to Liverpool forward Carroll. Following Grant Holt's decision to pen a new contract at Norwich, it is believed Lambert is still on the lookout for a target man.

Carroll could be available on loan from Liverpool, according to Brendan Rodgers, and Villa are joined by AC Milan and West Ham in their reported interest in the striker. Quizzed on the issue on Saturday, Lambert ruled nothing out.

"If we can get him that'd be great!" Lambert told Sky Sports News. "I've heard people are linked with him. That doesn't surprise me.

"He's a top player and not one I would dismiss."

Liverpool Striker Emerges As Surprise Target For QPR

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes is hoping that he will be reunited with striker Craig Bellamy after deciding to approach Liverpool about a potential permanent deal.

The west London club has reportedly lost on signing Junior Hoilett and Hughes has now turned his attention to trying to sign Bellamy who has just one-year left on his contract at Anfield.

The Evening Standard has reported that Hughes still has a good relationship with the striker after working with him at Manchester City and Wales. He is therefore hoping that he can convince the forward to move down to London in the coming weeks.

QPR appear to have missed out on signing Hoilett who is apparently interested in playing in the Bundesliga where he previously spent some time on-loan from Blackburn.

Akos Buzsaky has also left the club after rejecting the offer of a new contract and Hughes is keen to bring in reinforcements as they attempt to retain their place in the Premier League.

Anfield Exit For Maxi

Liverpool have announced that Maxi Rodriguez has left the club and returned to his native South America to re-sign for Newell's Old Boys.

The 31-year-old forward has headed back to his homeland after deciding against prolonging his stay in England.

Maxi arrived at Anfield from Atletico Madrid in January 2010 and made 73 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.

His hard-working approach to the game and keen eye for goal made him a favourite among the Kop faithful.

He was, however, unable to hold down a regular starting role and grew increasingly frustrated at a lack of opportunities.

It was expected that he would be on the move this summer, even after Brendan Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in the Reds hot-seat.

Rodgers had expressed a desire to keep Maxi on Merseyside, but was always aware that a return to Argentina would appeal to the experienced winger.

Maxi has re-joined Newell's, the club that helped him to launch a successful career, after 10 years in Europe - during which time he has turned out for Espanyol, Atletico and Liverpool.

"Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Maxi Rodriguez has joined Newell's Old Boys in Argentina," read a statement released on the club's official website.

"Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to thank Maxi for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

Allardyce Airs Carroll Concern

Sam Allardyce admits he would welcome the opportunity to bring Andy Carroll to West Ham United, but concedes any move will depend on the player.

With Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he may be prepared to send Carroll out on loan, speculation regarding where he will be playing in 2012/13 has kicked into overdrive.

Italian giants AC Milan are said to be keen, while West Ham have admitted to holding an interest in the England international.

Allardyce believes Carroll could be a useful addition to his ranks, having already shown that he has what it takes to score goals in the Premier League.

The Hammers boss is, however, not convinced that the burly frontman would want to swap life at Anfield for that at Upton Park.

"You can't say you wouldn't be interested in Andy Carroll, he's a player who has got great stature in the Premier League," Allardyce told Sky Sports News HD.

"Whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham is another matter."

Asked if he would favour a loan move or a permanent deal for the 23-year-old striker, Allardyce added: "It depends on whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham."

Teixeira Makes LFC Debut

Portuguese starlet Joao Carlos Teixeira made his first appearance in a red shirt when he appeared during the U18s' friendly 8-1 win over Exeter on Saturday morning.

The midfield playmaker, who arrived at the Academy from Sporting Lisbon, enjoyed a 25 minute run-out in the second half.

The Portuguese youth international didn't feature for the Academy last term because of a niggling back problem, but now fully fit, he is set to be a regular in Kirkby this season.

A youthful Exeter side had travelled up on the morning of the match and several regulars from the reserve team squad were on duty for the Reds including Michael Ngoo and Toni Silva, who spent the final part of last term on loan at Northampton Town.

Jerome Sinclair netted a hat-trick, while Silva, Sam Gainford, Kristoffer Peterson, Marc Pelosi and Danny Smith were also on target.