Mascherano wants to quit West Ham

[Chris]

Todays Echo says we want him anyway, havent read the whole article yet though, just see the headline about a double swoop, probably Neill the other

[El Diego]

So why is he being dropped?

Is he not as good as Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins?

Who knows why he's dropped? It could be he doesn't get on with the other players or the manager just doesn't like him. Would you call Heskey better than Fowler? Houllier did and he was made to look a bit of a idiot.

[El Diego]

If he comes we are starting to become a mini Buenos Aires.

[AFII]

I wonder what will happen to Sissoko if we sign him? Rafa probably want a quick passing team and Sissoko doesn't fit into that.

[AFII]

Benitez eyes up double swoop

Jan 4 2007

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo


LIVERPOOL are closing in on January targets Lucas Neill and Javier Mascherano - with an Anfield board meeting today expected to open the door to their arrival.

As the DIC takeover saga nears a successful conclusion at Liverpool, Rafa Benitez is seeking a swift completion of deals which have been a priority for several months.

The Reds boss wants the players in place early during the transfer window, and hopes there will be no delays which may prove costly to his plans.

Both Neill and Argentinian Mascherano are ready to move to Anfield, but the finishing touches are still to be put in place.

Clearly there is a balancing act for the board as they juggle immediate concerns with the long-term strategy of the prospective owners, but the manager is in need of new recruits this month.

Benitez is also hoping to complete a deal for 16-year-old James McCarthy for £100,000 from Hamilton Academicals.

Central midfielder Mascherano's transfer would initially be a loan until the end of the season, which could become permanent if he adapts more successfully at Liverpool than he has at West Ham.

Benitez has identified the 22-year-old as a quality cover for Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso as the Reds enter a crucial period with Momo Sissoko still on the treatment table.

Despite suggestions Mascherano can't play for three clubs in the same season, in fact, he's only played for one during this campaign.

The South American season ended on December 31, 2005, before Mascherano joined West Ham in the summer of 2006.

However, any move would still have to be ratified by FIFA.

Mascherano has made it clear he wants to move to Liverpool, and a deal has been agreed with his representatives Media Sports Investments.

Neill is another player who hopes he's played his last game for his current club.

The Aussie defender is suspended for this weekend's FA Cup third round at Goodison Park, and Benitez hopes to have him on board in time for Liverpool's Premiership game at Watford.

Neill would also be eligible for the Champions League, because new rules state at least one player in a squad list who's played in the UEFA Cup can also feature in the premier competition.

As in August, his hopes depend on how keen Blackburn are to hold onto a player nearing a Bosman.

Mark Hughes still wants to sign Stephen Warnock as part of a swop deal. Warnock is also attracting the attention of Sunderland, but would clearly prefer to remain in the Premiership.

CLICKY for Echo

[matycowling1007]

Todays Echo says we want him anyway, havent read the whole article yet though, just see the headline about a double swoop, probably Neill the other

Could you post what the echo says mate when you have time and is it written by mr Bascombe ??


EDIT: ah i see AF has just posted it cheers !

[captainfog]

I wonder what will happen to Sissoko if we sign him? Rafa probably want a quick passing team and Sissoko doesn't fit into that.

I think he would rotate between the two. This season, while Momo has been out injured, we have lacked an obviouse replacement. Whether we sign Mascherano or not, I think we will sign a player of his ilk

[Shaggy]

Nice. I'd be pleased with Mascherano. Surprised the Mancs aren't in for him though. In August their forums were full of scumbags desperate to land him....and they thought he was worth £20m.

[AFII]

It looks like it's up to FIFA to decide if he comes or not now.

[matycowling1007]

Cheers AF,

I must say are squad would look in very good shape if Mascherano and neill came. But surely we couldnt keep Gerrard,alonso,sissoko and Mascerano in the same team ?

[AFII]

As you can see I also start to wonder if Sissoko will be Liverpool player next season if Mascherano is a success.

I can't see Alonso or Gerrard leave. Maybe Rafa will play 4-5-1 more often.

[captainfog]

Cheers AF,

I must say are squad would look in very good shape if Mascherano and neill came. But surely we couldnt keep Gerrard,alonso,sissoko and Mascerano in the same team ?

Reina
finnan agger carra riise
Sissoko
mascherano Alonso
Gerrard Kewell
Kuyt

[tomasjj]

Oh....I rate Javier M.
I pray we get him!!

It would be a scoop.

[rushscored4]

Nice. I'd be pleased with Mascherano. Surprised the Mancs aren't in for him though. In August their forums were full of scumbags desperate to land him....and they thought he was worth £20m.

Some of them still believe Carrick is worth £18m though and would gladly spend more than that on Owen Hargreaves who is the new Phil Neville...

[matycowling1007]

Where would Villa play ??