Liverpool Finally Agree £19m Deal For Gareth Barry Despite Villa's 'Staying' Statement

Gareth Barry's transfer to Liverpool finally looks like going through after the Anfield club came up with the money to secure his move from Aston Villa.

The longest-running saga of the summer has reached a confusing climax after an earlier statement that he was staying at Villa Park.

Sportsmail understands that the mix-up was due to a deadline being missed by 20 minutes, and the transfer will finally be concluded on Thursday.

Villa will receive a £17.5million fee plus right back Steve Finnan in exchange for a midfielder who will fulfil his wish to play in the Champions League this season after all.

To find the money, Liverpool needed to provide the bank with a guarantee that funds to cover the move will be raised during the remainder of the close season.

The transfer has dragged on since May when Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez made it clear that Barry was his top priority.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill was angry with him for making details of his interest public, and a war of words raged between them for much of the early summer.

Liverpool made four separate bids to sign Barry but none of them matched O'Neill's valuation of the player.

Barry's outburst against O'Neill in a Sunday newspaper then appeared to signal the end of any chance of him remaining at Villa.

He accused the manager of finding time to be a pundit at Euro 2008 but not to speak to him about his future and was disciplined and told to stay away from the club's training ground.

Then Barry was booed by Villa fans at a pre-season friendly at Walsall last week, but that mood had mellowed when he appeared as a substitute in Saturday's InterToto Cup tie with Odense.

Matters finally reached a head on Monday when O'Neill tried to force the Merseysiders into a corner by setting a deadline. That was passed at 5pm on Wednesday when Villa had still not received confirmation from Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry that funds were in place.

Villa then put out a statement on their website confirming that Barry would be staying. It read: 'This evening, Aston Villa can announce that Gareth Barry will be staying with the club following the interest from Liverpool over recent months.

'During discussions in the past few days, a final deadline to conclude this episode was set that all parties were aware of and agreed to. This deadline has now passed and so Gareth will remain with Villa.'

However, it soon transpired that the two clubs were still talking over the move. Barry had been due to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Notts County on Thursday - but his name was subsequently withdrawn.

And it also appears that the England midfielder has already committed himself to renting a house in Cheshire.

The transfer has dragged on but now Benitez has to act quickly by offloading players to keep Liverpool's part of the bargain with financiers.

Those destined for the exit door include Andriy Voronin, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Jermaine Pennant.

Following David Bentley's defection to Spurs, Pennant will probably be the first to leave as Blackburn manager Paul Ince spends some of the transfer money he has received.

Robbie Keane kicked off his Liverpool career against Villarreal in Spain, two days after completing his £19m move from Tottenham. The Republic of Ireland captain started up front alongside 19-year-old David Ngog, who cost £1.5m from Paris Saint-Germain.

Villarreal 0 - 0 LiverpooL

Robbie Keane missed the best chance of the night on his Liverpool debut, just 24 hours after his £20million move to Anfield.

Keane played the first half of the friendly in Castellon, Spain, where his appearance was upstaged by the heroes' reception for the members of the Euro 2008 winners.

In the end Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record in pre-season matches, aware that their chances of adding Gareth Barry to their ranks seem to be over.

Aston Villa's decision to end the negotiations over Barry earlier in the day was met with a strict 'no comment' from Liverpool but still dominated the pre-match discussions. Whether that is the end of the matter only time will tell.

The game was held up for several minutes as seven of Spain's victorious Euro 2008 side received ovations and presentations.

Four of those players were from Liverpool, Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres. Villarreal had Marcos Senna, Santi Cazorla and Joan Capdevila.

All seven were given small yellow submarine toys to mark the occasion, due to Villarreal's nickname.

Keane made his debut up front alongside another new boy, French teenager David Ngog, and both could have got their names on the scoresheet in the first period.

First, Keane was set up by fine work from Steven Gerrard - back following injury - and Yossi Benayoun. The new £20million man beat two players but lifted his shot over the bar.

Ngog, signed from Paris Saint Germain, saw a side-footed effort saved by Diego Lopez after Benayoun's pass.

Lopez had saved well from a Gerrard curler, but Villarreal had their moments.

The Spanish league runners-up forced Diego Cavalieri into good saves from Cani, ex-Arsenal man Robert Pires and Angel before Ariel Ibagaza hit a post with Joseba Llorente's follow-up deflected over by Stephen Darby.

Liverpool made nine changes at the break, including two teenagers on up front, the excellent Spanish youngster Daniel Pacheco and Hungarian striker Krisztian Nemeth, the reserves' top scorer last term.

Keane and Gerrard were among those taken off, leaving Benitez with a very youthful side including Jay Spearing and Emiliano Insua against Villarreal's experience.

Liverpool were under a lot more pressure in the second period, but Pacheco should have scored when put clear, only to drag his shot wide. Then Nemeth fired over from 20-yards.

With 20 minutes left Torres, Arbeloa and Alonso finally appeared - to a massive ovation from the home support.

Then with 10 minutes left, former Villarreal goalkeeper Reina came on for a cameo appearance, having rushed to the Madrigal stadium after being at the birth of his second child.

He too was given the hero treatment, the game now little more than an exhibition.

Rafa's Sneaky Assuncao Move Revealed

Reports from Spain claim Liverpool made a sneaky bid to steal Paulo Assuncao from Atletico Madrid.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Rafael Benitez attempted to lure Assuncao to Anfield earlier this month after the Brazilian midfielder broke his contract with Porto to sign for Atleti.

It has been reported that Benitez approached los Colchoneres immediately after the 28-year-old's arrival and, understandably, had his advances rejected outright.

However, it is possible the Reds boss made contact with the player or his representatives directly between the time Assuncao left Estadio Dragao and the time he signed on at the Vicente Calderon.

Benitez has been in the market for a central midfielder all summer. His designs on Gareth Barry - which appear to have been dashed in the last 24 hours - are well documented, and Xabi Alonso's future on Merseyside remains uncertain.

Furthermore, Liverpool will be without both Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva for the start of the season, as the pair will represent Argentina and Brazil respectively at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Hence, Benitez may have earmarked Assuncao as ideal cover in the middle of the park, given his considerable experience and his relative lack of expense.

But the Spanish tactician will have to seek out other options now, and may simply choose to put faith in youngsters such as Damien Plessis, who impressed during his few senior outings last term.

Blackburn Boss Ince Eyes £6m Liverpool Winger Pennant As He Looks To Start Spending Bentley Windfall

Paul Ince will dip into the £15million which was received from for David Bentley to try to complete a deal for Jermaine Pennant.

The Rovers boss faces late competition for the £6m-rated winger from Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, whose chances of landing Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelsea look slim.

Blackburn still hope to beat him to a £5m deal, knowing Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez would prefer to sell Pennant, unspectacular in two years at Anfield since a £6.7m move from Birmingham, rather than lose versatile Yossi Benayoun to £6m bidders Manchester City or West Ham.

Blackburn will owe about £6.5m of the Bentley cash to Arsenal, who have a sell-on clause for the England player they let go for £1.5m three years ago.

Blackburn are also ready to rival Fulham in the pursuit of Torino's 28-year-old Australia midfielder Vince Grella. A defensive midfielder is a priority for Ince and the combative Grella fits the bill.

Rovers have already confirmed interest in Grella's fellow Australian, Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano.

They want to reunite the international team-mates at Ewood Park and Torino are willing to sell Grella, who has 35 caps, for around £3.5m.

Rovers have ruled out a move for £2m-rated midfielder Keith Andrews from Ince's former club, MK Dons.

Rafa Won't Comment On Barry Rejection

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has so far refused to make any public comment on their now confirmed failure to prise Gareth Barry away from Aston Villa.

The Reds had been chasing the Villa the skipper all summer, but in the end allegedly had a last-ditch attempt to sign the England midfielder thwarted by Villa, who yesterday formally announced that their skipper will not be going anywhere this summer.

"I would prefer to concentrate on the game and my squad," said Benitez when pressed on the Barry saga after the 0-0 friendly draw at Villarreal on Wednesday night.

"I was really pleased with the situation on the pitch tonight," he added.

"Robbie Keane did well, he had every chance to score but could not manage a goal."

After another reporter again brought up the Barry matter, Benitez refused to be drawn out.

"I think we have quality in the squad and I would prefer to concentrate on the game," he said.

"I feel the quality is improving, it is better than last season, and this match has been of benefit to the squad and for me to see several young players in action."

Benitez Still Wants To Sign Barry

Rafael Benitez has confirmed he must sell again to bring Gareth Barry to Liverpool after completing the £20.3million signing of Robbie Keane.

The Reds manager insists that is what he aims to do, but he has no intention of selling Spain international Alvaro Arbeloa.

Liverpool are believed to have had a £7million bid from Sevilla for the 25-year-old, but Benitez has made it clear the player is going nowhere, despite speculation defender Arbeloa wants to return to Spain for personal reasons.

Benitez maintains there is no truth in the assumption Arbeloa is eager to leave and the former Deportivo La Coruna player will be part of his plans in the coming season.

But there is no question that Benitez still wants to sign former Aston Villa skipper Barry, the subject of a summer-long saga which has frayed tempers at Villa Park and Anfield.

Benitez could sell Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin or Steve Finnan, but it is still more likely that he will persuade Xabi Alonso to leave if he can get a £15million-plus bid for the Spanish midfielder.

After completing the Keane deal, Benitez talked in terms of one more major departure rather than a string of smaller deals, to finance an £18million move for Barry.

Benitez said: "We knew that we could only spend money by selling players and we have been doing this (for Keane).

"We are still trying to sign the players that we need, and if we need to sell someone now, okay, we will do so.

"If we can do it (the Barry deal) before the end of the transfer window, we will continue to try. We will always continue to improve our squad."

Benitez was delighted to finally land Keane, and he declined to discuss Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's anger over how the move was concluded.

Benitez said: "We are pleased he is here. We dealt well with Mr Levy, and my role was to bring the player here as quickly as possible.

"Robbie is one of the very best forwards in the Premier League. He is settled and more than used to the requirements. He is a good professional with a solid mentality, obviously I am pleased he is here, other managers would say the same.

"Robbie can play alongside (Fernando) Torres and (Dirk) Kuyt, and also (Steven) Gerrard. He is clever and is the right kind of player.

"He can play on the right, he can play up front. If you have clever players it makes it easier for the manager."

He added: "If you play 4-4-2, Keane can play alongside Torres. If we play 4-2-3-1 he can play as a second striker or on the right.

"He is the kind of player who is adaptable, and can be used in different positions and will give you 100%.

"Robbie is intelligent, he can play on the right and he can adapt. He is a very positive signing.

"He scored twice at Anfield last season, he knows where he has to be to score and where he must be to support team-mates. He is very clever.

"We have known he was a good player for a long time, the goals he scored against us just underlined what we already knew.

"We wanted the player, he said he was a Liverpool fan and wanted to come here. We are happy, our fans are happy."

Hammers Return For Benayoun?

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun is being linked with a return to former club West Ham, according to a report in the Echo.

The Israeli joined Liverpool from West Ham last year in a deal thought to be worth £5 million but has struggled to become a regular at Anfield.

Benayoun managed only 15 Premier League starts and 4 goals in his first season at Anfield which has led to speculation he may be surplus to requirements at the club.

The former West Ham man was a popular figure at Upton Park and a return would certainly be warmly welcomed by the fans who have fond memories of his time in East London.

Benayoun managed 8 goals in 63 appearances for West Ham and helped carry them to an FA Cup final with Liverpool which they eventually lost on penalties. However, the Israeli’s flair and creativity were as important as his goals and ensured he is still highly thought of by the Hammers.

The Echo reports that West Ham have contacted Liverpool to discuss the possibility of a move for Benayoun as they hope to be reunited with their former player.

Rafael Benitez has been widely quoted this week as saying he needs to sell players in order to finance more moves and it is possible Benayoun could potentially be sold as Liverpool look to strength their squad further.

Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Harry Kewell have already left Anfield this summer whilst Cavalieri, Degen, Dossena and Robbie Keane have all arrived. Liverpool are also still thought to be chasing Gareth Barry, although any further signings may be impossible until further funds are raised.

Rafa: We'll Scare You To Death

Rafa Benitez insists his Premier League rivals are running scared of Liverpool’s new strike force.

Benitez yesterday completed the £20.3m signing of Robbie Keane and can’t wait to unleash him alongside Spanish hotshot Fernando Torres.

Keane scored 23 goals for Tottenham last season, while Torres smashed 33 for the Reds in a blistering debut campaign.

And Benitez believes the arrival of Keane will ensure an avalanche of goals next season to leave opposition defences quaking in their boots at the sight of the team-sheet.

“I think defences will be worried for sure,” he said.

“Other managers and defenders will try to do things (to stop them).

“Robbie is one of the very best forwards in the Premier League.

“Everybody knows he is a very good player, a clever player.

“He can play on the right, as a central striker or in a deeper position.

“He scored twice at Anfield last season, he knows where he has to be to score and where he must be to support team-mates. He is very clever.

“We have known he was a good player for a long time, the goals he scored against us just underlined what we already knew.

“We wanted the player, he said he was a Liverpool fan and wanted to come here. We are happy, our fans are happy.

“It is important for Torres to have another player who can score goals.

“In addition to Torres and Keane, we have Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

“Those players will cause problems for defenders and maybe they cannot cope with everyone.”

Keane, 28, will get an early taste of action in a Liverpool shirt in today’s friendly against Spanish side Villarreal.

Benitez claims that he has yet to decide how to deploy his new goal-scoring weapon.

But he insists Keane gives Liverpool a much better chance of getting close to Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the league.

But he admitted he will need to sell before he can bolster his ranks again by finally signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

“We knew that we could only spend money by selling players and we have been doing this (for Keane),” said Benitez.

“We are still trying to sign the players that we need. And if we need to sell someone now, OK. We will do so.

“If we can do it (the Barry deal) before the end of the transfer window, we will continue to try.”

EXCLUSIVE: Spanish Defender Arbeloa 'Definitely, Definitely' Staying At Liverpool

Alvaro Arbeloa is 'definitely, definitely' staying at Anfield despite rumours that he is unsettled on Merseyside.

Media reports have linked the Spanish right-back with a move back to La Liga after just one season in a Liverpool shirt.

Yet a senior club source said all speculation was unfounded and that the 25-year-old defender will still be with the Reds next season.

Arbeloa’s £2.5million purchase from Deportivo La Coruna last year was one of Benitez's shrewdest signings and the club official insisted he is happy and that Liverpool fans has nothing to worry about.

The source said: 'I don't know where that came from about Arbeloa, but it is nothing.

'He is definitely, definitely staying here. He is happy and will be staying.'

Internazionale In For Alonso

After reportedly have a £25million bid for Steven Gerrard rejected in May, Internazionale may have better luck prising Alonso away from Anfield.

Internazionale may be preparing to swoop for out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, if reports today are to be believed.

After securing long-time Liverpool fan Robbie Keane's signature for £20million, Rafa Benitez will need to sell, in order to finance any future deals and the money from Alonso would aid that process.

Jose Mourinho would want to pay no more than £10million for the 26-year old number 14.

Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested in the Spanish international so Internazionale would have to act fast if they are to avoid getting embroiled into an unwanted bidding war.

On other news, Patrick Vieira looks set to stay at Inter.

Pongolle Eager For Liverpool Reunion

New Atlético Madrid striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle is eager to meet up with his former club, Liverpool, in the Champions League.

Speaking to Marca, the French forward stated that reuniting with the Reds would be a dream scenario.

"Of course I'd love that," he said.

"It's not about revenge for me because it's already well in the past.

"I started off there playing many matches, but then I picked up a knee injury and everything ended. Liverpool would be good, but also Juventus, Marseille... If we play Liverpool, that's good. Those are the matches that everyone wants to see."

The former Recreativo man added that he felt that Atleti were sufficiently grand to be counted alongside these illustrious names.

"I believe that opponents don't want to play against Atlético because we are a great club with superb players, and they know that we're hard to play against," he said.

"Our qualification round? On the 12th we will face a key game and we're keen to see the draw on Friday to find out who we'll play. We're continuing well with pre-season to be physically ready. That's key."

It is thought that Sinama is third-choice for the two striking berths at the Vicente Calderón, given that Diego Forlán and Sergio 'Kun' Agüero comprise the regular partnership.

"Forlán and I are similar players: we love playing in space and we're always ready to make a move," said the 23-year-old.

"The lineup? I think that, as the coach said yesterday, it's possible for us to play with a forward force of three, but now Kun isn't here (due to the Olympics) so we'll try to do damage in each game we play.

"How many will I score? I never set a target of a certain amount. I'm a striker - to score is my job - but I always put the team first in these matters. The more I score, the better, but if I can help my colleagues, that's better still."

Looking at the case of his teammate Maniche, who could still be exiled from the club, he said, "We met on Monday - that was the first time I've seen him and spoke to him.

"I don't know what happened and I'd rather not get embroiled in the controversy, because that's a personal matter for him.

"As for Messi, I would personally go (to the Olympics) as that's a great competition for professional sportsmen.

"There were many players such as Zinedine Zidane who lacked only an Olympic medal, and they didn't have the luck to go.

"I'm also of the Olympic age but in the end we didn't reach the competition.

"Messi, they must let him go. He's a young guy. Atleti let Kun go. That's best for the club and the player."

Torres Is My Dream Partner - Keane

Robbie Keane is relishing the prospect of teaming up with Fernando Torres after completing his £20.3million move from Tottenham to Liverpool.

Keane, the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland captain, agreed a four-year deal at Anfield after undergoing a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and could now establish a mouth-watering partnership in attack with Spain striker Torres.

The pair could become one of the deadliest strike combinations in the Barclays Premier League, and Keane is a big fan of his new team-mate.

"He has been a revelation since he came to the Premier League. He was absolutely outstanding last year and also in the Euros with Spain," Keane told the club's official website.

"It is hard to leave Tottenham with some of the players they had - like Dimitar Berbatov, who I had a great relationship with - but Torres is probably the best striker in the world right now. Hopefully we can play a lot of games together and do well."

Keane should play just off Torres in the Liverpool formation, and hopes to bridge the gap between midfield and Torres.

"I see myself as a second striker," he said.

"I can play off the shoulder, link things up and play in the hole. You are always judged on scoring goals as a striker and I have always scored a lot of goals. Hopefully I can continue that here at Liverpool."

The new Reds frontman turned down Liverpool as a 14-year-old in favour of joining Wolves, and is relieved the opportunity to join the club he supports came up again.

"The last four years have been great for me and I believe I am at my peak," he said.

"I am at a good age and if I didn't come to Liverpool now, maybe the opportunity wouldn't come again. It has worked out perfectly for me and, hopefully, for Liverpool Football Club as well."

Keane is set to be handed the number seven shirt, famously worn by Anfield legends including Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed: "We were talking about the number, and the big names that have had this number, so it will be inspirational for him to have it too."

Benitez expects Keane, who has also played for Coventry, Inter Milan and Leeds, to strike up a fearsome partnership with Torres.

"We were looking for a player with game intelligence and good movement who could play alongside Torres," Benitez told the club's official website.

"He can play with Torres up front and also on the right.

"He is a player who can give to us a lot of goals - normally he gets about 15 each year. We were looking for the workrate he can give to us, the game intelligence and also the goals."

No rest For Rafa After Keane Coup

Rafael Benitez will parade new £20.3million signing Robbie Keane this morning before turning his attention to trying to secure Gareth Barry's transfer.

The Liverpool boss last night completed Keane's move from Spurs on a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week to the Republic of Ireland international.

But sources at Anfield are making it clear that Benitez is as determined as ever to clinch a deal to bring Barry from Aston Villa, despite claims from Villa Park boss Martin O'Neill that his club "valued Gareth more than Liverpool do".

O'Neill, having turned down four previous bids for Barry from Liverpool, demanded last week that the Anfield club make their intentions for any further moves known to him, so he could plan his own summer transfer strategy.

Benitez, however, will not be rushed as he has to acquire more money for his transfer kitty.

He will have to sell before he can buy Barry, and that means the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin and Alvaro Arbeloa may have to be moved on.

The deal could now drag on into the new season.

Arbeloa wants to return to Spain for family reasons, and he would cost around £6million, as would Voronin. Blackburn are interested in Pennant for a £4million fee.

Keane, 28, will be introduced to the media at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and then is expected to travel to Spain with the rest of the squad for tomorrow's friendly with Villarreal.

Fourteen years ago Keane turned down the chance of joining Liverpool's youth set-up, the club he supported as a boy, and instead signed for Wolves.

Ngog Takes Tips From Torres

Fernando Torres has already taken Liverpool's new French teenage striker David Ngog under his wing.

Ngog, 19, joined the club for £1.5million from Paris St Germain last week, and could well make his debut in Wednesday's friendly game against Villarreal - a match that may also see the first appearance of Robbie Keane in a Liverpool shirt.

Ngog reveals that Kop hero Torres and French legend Thierry Henry are his role-models.

Torres has already made sure the youngster is settling into life at Melwood, with an offer of advice and help.

Ngog told liverpoolfc.tv: "I am obviously looking forward to playing and training with a striker of his quality.

"To have someone like that who I can learn from will be great for me. I have already trained with Fernando and he has told me that if there is anything I need, I only have to ask.

"He is such a big star and it's nice that he took the time, but all the players have been similar - including Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. But Torres is one of my role models."

Another of the forward's idols is Henry, who after an initial settling-in period went on to be one of the Premier League's finest-ever imports.

Ngog said: "I know Henry made a massive impact in England, but I know it will not be easy for me to do the same.

"But I am still young. The French league is very good, they have good defenders there. But in England it is quicker, more intense; it impacts upon you more, physically.

"My qualities are that I am tall and quick, and technically good on the ball, but I still have to adapt to the physical side of the English game. Maybe I can be more aggressive.

"I have spoken to Rafa (Benitez) about how I can progress. He told me how I could learn from some of the other great players who are already here.

"I know I have to work very hard in order to get to the stage where I am playing a lot of games."

He added: "I am really looking forward to wearing the shirt for the first time. It will be a very proud moment for me, and I will try to do my best for this club.

"Liverpool were my English team - I supported PSG in France - and I love this club. I will do my best to prove myself here and to help the team win matches."

Dutch Play Down Babel Fears

Holland Olympic team coach Foppe de Haan has dismissed concerns that Ryan Babel's participation at the Olympics has put the winger at risk of further injury, instead insisting he will return to Liverpool in peak condition.

The 21-year-old was called into the Olympic squad having recovered quicker than anticipated from an ankle injury which denied him the chance to play for his country at Euro 2008.

However, Reds boss Rafael Benitez admitted he is disappointed to be denied the services of the former Ajax player for the start of the season, as well as expressing concern that such a quick return to competitive football could have a damaging effect on his recuperation.

But De Haan has moved to allay any fears that Babel is taking an unnecessary risk by playing in the Olympics.

"I am very happy with Ryan Babel," said the 65-year-old.

"He is a very good player and is important for us at the Olympics.

"His recovery is going well, sometimes he still feels a little bit of pain but it isn't much and it is getting better.

"Looking to the future for Babel, playing in this tournament should be very good for him as he will go back to his club in good shape.

"A normal pre-season lasts around six to eight weeks and part of that preparation for him is being at the Olympic Games."

Holland are currently in Hong Kong preparing to take part in the ING Cup this week, a competition that also features the United States, Ivory Coast and Cameroon Olympic teams.

Babel came through a training session unscathed on Sunday and is set to play some part in the Dutch side's first game of the tournament against Cameroon on Wednesday.

"I am hoping he can play half a game on Wednesday and then on Saturday hopefully he can play a little more," added De Haan.

"Once the Olympic Games come round I am certain he will be ready."

Babel himself believes he is well on way to a complete recovery and admitted he is relishing the chance to help his country capture a maiden Olympic gold.

"It's exciting to be in Hong Kong, as we're getting closer to the Olympics and I expect to be fully match-fit by then," he said.

Keane Completes Liverpool Switch

Liverpool have completed the signing of Robbie Keane in a deal worth £20.3million but the fall-out with Tottenham over the transfer continued following more comments from Daniel Levy.

Spurs chairman Levy has dropped his complaint against Liverpool to the Premier League but insisted he did not "regard it as a transfer deal" due to the way the deal was conducted.

He said: "I was incredibly disappointed when I first heard, not only that Liverpool had been working behind the scenes to bring Robbie to Anfield, but that Robbie himself wanted to go and he submitted a transfer request to this effect."

The initial concerns over the comments of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and accusations of "working behind the scenes" effectively accused Spurs' Premier League rivals of tapping-up.

The official complaint was withdrawn after an apology and a donation to the club's main charity, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Levy added: "I have already made my opinion clear on the nature of this transaction. I don't regard it as a transfer deal - that is something which happens between two clubs when they both agree to trade - this is very much an enforced sale, for which we have agreed a sum of £19million as compensation plus a potential further £1.3million in additional compensation."

Keane issued a statement on Monday night, which read: "I would like to place on record my thanks to the board, players and fans of Tottenham for the past six years, which were the best and most enjoyable of my career to date.

"I will never forget them. I would specifically like to thank chairman Daniel Levy for understanding, that, as a fan, joining Liverpool is a lifelong dream of mine and one I couldn't let pass me by.

"I hope one day the Spurs fans, who have been brilliant to me, can understand this too.

"I have only good things to say about my time at Tottenham and expect them to go from strength to strength under Juande Ramos and Daniel Levy."

Keane, the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland captain, has agreed a four-year deal at Anfield after undergoing a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and could now form a mouthwatering partnership in attack with Fernando Torres.

With the possibility of midfielder Xabi Alonso now staying at the club, Benitez may have to sell Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin and Alvaro Arbeloa to balance to books. It

That could mean that Gareth Barry's transfer saga from Aston Villa may drag into the new season.

Spurs assistant boss Gus Poyet told Setanta Sports 1: "It's difficult to take because Robbie was everything to Spurs and we thought he would be here for a long time. We hope to get a player to replace Robbie."



ROBBIE KEANE FACTFILE

1980: Born Robert David Keane in Dublin on July 8.

1994: Chooses to join Wolves, then being managed by former England manager Graham Taylor, despite interest from top-flight clubs.

1997: Signs professional contract for Wolves in July. Scores twice on his first-team debut in 2-0 win at Norwich on the opening day of the season.

1998: Makes his international debut for the Republic of Ireland as a substitute against the Czech Republic. Wolves beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final with Keane left on the bench by manager Mark McGhee.

Wins rave reviews for man-of-the-match performance in his second appearance for the Republic in a friendly against Argentina. During the summer, helps his country win the European Youth Championship in Cyprus.

1999: Injury hinders second half of season and Wolves are furious after Keane is called up by the Republic for Under-20 World Championships in Nigeria.

Despite interest from Middlesbrough and Aston Villa, Keane starts the season with Wolves and scores only goal of the game in the opening match of Division One campaign at Manchester City.

With Wolves holding out for £6million in face of £5.5million offer from Aston Villa boss John Gregory, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously quoted as saying he would only pay £500,000 for Keane.

August - Joins Coventry for £6million to become the most expensive teenager in the Premiership and scores twice on his debut as Derby are beaten at Highfield Road.

November - scores for the Republic in the first leg of their Euro 2000 play-off against Turkey in Dublin, but misses the second leg after picking up a booking in the 1-1 draw. The Republic are held 0-0 and go out on away goals.

2000: February - Nets a late winner in the Republic's 3-2 victory over Euro 2000 hopefuls the Czech Republic in a friendly in Dublin.

April - Scores what would turn out to be the last of his 17 goals for Coventry in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Highfield Road.

June - Gains more international experience on a tour of the United States, playing against Mexico and South Africa.

July - Joins Italian giants Inter Milan for £13million in a five-year deal.

September - Bags the opening goal in the Republic's 2-2 draw against Holland in the 2002 World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam, taking his international tally to seven in 22 games.

October - Marcello Lippi is sacked after a poor start to the Serie A season and failing to qualify for the Champions League. Keane finds himself on the bench after failing to score in four starts.

November - Former club Wolves have a speculative bid to take the youngster back to Molineux on loan turned down.

December - After Reggina have a bid to take Keane on loan rejected, Inter president Massimo Moratti rejects reports that a fee has been agreed with Chelsea. However a few days later, Leeds secure Keane on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent £12million switch in the summer.

2001: Makes a superb start to his Leeds career, bagging nine goals in 14 appearances before an ankle injury two games before the end of the campaign curtails his season.

September - scores as Leeds win 2-0 at Charlton in the Premiership, and follows that with a hat-trick in United's 6-0 Worthington Cup demolition of Leicester.

November - Hits the target in Ireland's World Cup qualifying play-off first leg against Iran, which the hosts win 2-0.

2002: April - Injury, together with the arrival of Robbie Fowler from Liverpool, reduces Keane's appearances in the first team, leading to rumours of a move away from Elland Road.

The Irishman insists however he wants to stay, and he ends a six-month league goal drought with a strike in a home win over Sunderland.

May - Selected for the Republic's World Cup squad. Involved in a minor training ground bust-up with team-mate Niall Quinn, during which Keane threw a punch at the then Sunderland man.

June - Snatches a last-minute equaliser in Ireland's World Cup second Group E match, against Germany.

Follows that up with a goal in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a crucial late, late penalty to force extra-time against Spain in the second round. Nets in the penalty shoot-out, but it ends in heartbreak as Ireland lose 3-2.

July 2 - Leeds agree a fee with Sunderland for the player but he decides against the move.

August 31 - Joins Tottenham for £7million.

2003: January 12 - Scores first hat-trick for Spurs in a thrilling 4-3 Premiership victory over Everton at White Hart Lane.

2004: Spurs have a tough season battling against relegation but Keane finishes the season as the club's top scorer with 16 goals - including a hat-trick against former club Wolves.

2005: April - Storms from the dugout towards the end of the game against Birmingham after all three substitutes had been used in the match. Was fined £10,000 and forced to train with the reserves after the outburst.

May - Finishes the season with 17 goals despite being frequently selected behind the likes of Jermain Defoe, Freddy Kanoute and Mido.

November - After initially being a bit-part player at the start of the 2005-06 season, Keane takes his chance when handed a start by Martin Jol.

2006: March - Signs a new four-year contact and is rewarded for his maturity by being given the vice-captaincy.

May - Finishes the campaign with 16 league goals - making him the Premier League's joint fourth top goalscorer.

December - Suffers a knee ligament injury against Middlesbrough after a slow start to the 2006-07 season.

2007: April - Following a return from injury he forms a lethal partnership with Dimitar Berbatov and is jointly awarded the FA Premier League's Player of the Month with the Bulgarian.

May 13 - Ends the season with a total of 22 goals in all competitions - the highest season tally of his career.

May 28 - Signs a new five-year contract with the club.

2008: January 2 - Steve Staunton hands Keane the captaincy of the national team following his appointment as Republic of Ireland manager.

January 19 - Scored his 100th competitive goal for Tottenham in the 2-0 win against Sunderland - only the 15th Spurs player to achieve the feat.

February - Wins his first major honour as a Spurs player as part of the side which claims an extra-time victory over Chelsea in the League Cup final.

April - Makes his 250th appearance for Spurs in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.

May 11 - Finishes joint top scorer for Spurs in the 2007-08 season with Berbatov on 23 goals.

July 28 - Joins Liverpool in a deal worth £20.3million, signing a four-year contract.

Philipp Degan Injury Blow For Liverpool FC

New signing Philipp Degen is facing the prospect of missing the start of Liverpool’s season with a groin strain.

Degen could require surgery on the injury, sustained during the team’s pre-season training camp in Switzerland last week.

The right-back, who arrived on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, missed much of last season with a groin problem.

Degen required an operation to repair the damage but, despite efforts to regain his full fitness, failed to get off the bench for Switzerland during Euro 2008. The 25-year-old’s absence would be another blow to Rafael Benitez, who is already without Olympics-bound trio Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel and Javier Mascherano for the opening weeks of the campaign.

And with Alvaro Arbeloa’s Anfield future uncertain, it could persuade Benitez to keep hold of Steve Finnan.

But Benitez is confident of having Robbie Keane available, with the Tottenham Hotspur striker expected to undergo a medical today.

The Reds are hopeful of pushing through a deal that could climb to £20m for the Spurs forward.

Martin O'Neill In New Gareth Barry Jibe At Liverpool FC

Martin O’Neill has urged Gareth Barry to remain with Aston Villa and claimed the Midlands club wants him more than Liverpool.

Barry received a rapturous reception from the Villa faithful following his introduction as a 15th-minute substitute in the Intertoto Cup win over Odense.

The England midfielder responded with applause of his own as he turned in his usual measured performance after replacing stricken Dutchman Wilfred Bouma at left-back.

And with Liverpool still to come up with an offer approaching the £18million Villa are demanding, O’Neill, who banned Barry from the training ground after his newspaper sideswipe at the Ulsterman, is hoping his star man will stay.

“Having not heard anything from Liverpool for some time it is clear we value him more than they do,” said O’Neill.

“The fact they have not answered us for a week sends out a real message.

“We obviously don’t want him to go, so the price we are asking is a fair and realistic one for a player who is so good. In fact I think it is really cheap.

“My own view is that he should hang around for another year and see if we can make further progress as he would want.

“Gareth is still only 28 next year – if we don’t get where he wants to go, everybody would wish him well.”

O'Neill could not have asked any more of the Villa fans, who jeered Barry during a midweek outing at nearby Walsall.

There was not the merest hint of dissent this time as the cheers began as the player waited to make his entrance.

The reception, as well as a win which takes Villa into the UEFA Cup second qualifying round, provides the perfect platform for Barry to revise his opinion, which is what O’Neill desperately hopes for.

“He has been with us for 10 years and the crowd reaction was really strong in his favour,” said O’Neill.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt about what we all want at Villa Park. We want him to stay at the club.

“I am not in the habit of encouraging players to talk to me after games but I told Gareth he had been terrific.

“You could see, with hardly any training, how brilliant he was.

“We need him at this club. He would be a terrific loss for us.”

Meanwhile John Carew believes it is a 50-50 bet that Barry remains with Aston Villa.

The striker said: “We all hope Gareth stays because he is such an amazing player and I definitely do because I really enjoy playing with him.

“The fans certainly could not have done any more.”

Carew shares the manager’s view that Barry should stay a further year to see how far the club progresses.

“Gareth is a good professional and a great player,” said Carew.

“He can handle any situation and I am happy to see him playing again.

“The reception he received did not surprise me but I know he can adapt to any situation.

“We have all been in the game for a long time, so we don’t waste too much energy thinking about whether the crowd is being positive or negative.

“He will just go out there and do his job in exactly the same way as he always does and we will just wait to see what happens.”

Ashley Young used his lightning pace to score the goal that ease Aston Villa through 3-2 on aggregate.

By the time Villa learn their opponents in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round, Barry’s future should be slightly clearer.

“I have always said Gareth is a true professional,” said Young.

“He is always going to do his job in a professional way and that is what he has done.

“What is happening is between Gareth and the club. It has nothing to do with me. But he was always going to get a good reception from the fans. He has done well for the club. It was nice to see that being recognized.”

Carragher Impressed By Impact Of Pacheco And Fellow Fresh Faces

Jamie Carragher reckons that Liverpool could soon have another Spanish star spearheading their attack.

With Torres still on holiday last week after netting the goal that secured Spain victory in the European Championship finals earlier in the month, manager Rafael Benitez handed his number nine jersey to compatriot Danny Pacheco for the 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin at the Olympiastadion.

The 17-year-old, who was signed from Barcelona last summer following an increasing trend of Spanish youth players who can sign professional contracts in England at a younger age than in their homeland, has impressed Carragher throughout Liverpool’s pre-season campaign to date and he believes that the diminutive frontman could soon be making an impact around the first team squad for competitive matches.

Carragher said: “Danny Pacheco was as good as anyone on the trip, he’s been superb.

“He’s always looked like a great one for the future but we might not have to wait too long because the way he’s playing he looks like he could be a great one for right now.”

Also in action in Germany were fellow youngsters Stephen Darby and Jay Spearing and as someone who has come through the ranks at Anfield, Carragher knows the challenge they are facing.

He said: “I think the young lads have done superbly so far.

“We’ve all been there as a young lad when you’re probably a bit shy knocking around with the first team but they’ve all come in and haven’t been overawed by it all and I think they’ve impressed all of us.

“Jay and Stephen have both stepped up from the reserves and done really well.

“They’ve all been good and it’s nice for everyone at the club to see young players come into the team during pre-season and give a good account of themselves.

“We all know what it’s like when you come through as a young player and you just want to impress the manager on the training pitch and in matches and I think they will have done that.

“Now they have to keep on working hard and looking to get better so that they can give themselves as a good a chance as they possibly can.”

Bootle-born Carragher is also pleased that Spearing and Darby’s breakthrough to the first team squad has seen another couple of fellow Merseysiders to try and grab their chance.

He said: “I’m desperate for young players to come through, especially young Scouse lads, and I think the ones who’ve been involved so far have definitely shown what they can do.

“When you come away the pre-season training sessions are really important for the young players because you’re in the manager’s face all the time and that gives you a chance to impress him as much as you can.

“Going back to when I first came into the side I knew I had to treat training just like a match if I was going to impress the manager and that’s certainly what the likes of Darby and Spearing have been doing.”

Liverpool Transfer To Have Silva Lining

Liverpool look to take advantage of the financial situation at Valencia by swooping for Silva, according to The Sun.

Valencia are alleged to have amassed debts of up to £400million, they are also looking to finance a new stadium too, that could cost up to £250million.

Add Juan Solares' (Valencia owner) desire to sell the club, together with the possible need to sell their star players such as Silva, Villa, and Joaquin, and you may see a club in the midst of a mini-crisis.

Reports in today's The Sun focus on Rafa Benitez's attempt at exploiting Valencia's situation by swooping for star winger David Silva.

Silva was recently subject to a bid from Sevilla. A fee of £17million was rejected by club president Juan Villalonga, which infuriated owner Solares.

If Liverpool were to place a figure within this region, then they might be able to get their man.

It is expected that some of the money from the Crouch deal will fund the Silva bid.