Mascherano wants to quit West Ham

[einar]

It seems like he may be coming, fair enough if it's on loan because at least we'll be able to pull out when he doesn't settle.
This signing will probably mean Steven Gerrard on the right for the rest of the season which is very sad in my opinion. It may signal the end of his LFC career if it pans out that way.

If he is better then Xabi would he not replace Xabi?

[Red_Al_77]

REDS RAGE OVER FIFA RULING

By David Maddock - Mirror

FURIOUS Liverpool are ready to challenge the might of FIFA in a bid to win clearance for Javier Mascherano to join them.

The Anfield club agreed a loan deal to bring the Argentina international to Merseyside, but were stunned to learn that football's ruling body is ready to block the move. The rules state that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in any period from July 1 to June 30, and Mascherano has already appeared for Corinthians and West Ham.

FIFA say there is no way around the rule, but Liverpool will argue that it has already been flouted, with some players appearing for three clubs in a season.

If that fails, they will argue that FIFA are going against an EU directive which prevents restraint of trade. But a FIFA spokesman said yesterday: "We have taken advice and the rule is binding. There is no way around it."



From the Telegraph:

Benitez upbeat over Mascherano

By Tim Rich

06/01/2007

Liverpool are confident there are precedents to overcome any restrictions on signing Javier Mascherano on loan from West Ham.

Fifa's rules state that a footballer can only play for two clubs in any period from July 1–June 30, and the Argentine has already taken the field for both Corinthians and West Ham.

However, both Liverpool and Mascherano's representatives are prepared to argue that this is effectively restraint of trade.

The Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, is aware that the Argentina captain, Juan Pablo Sorin, was signed by no fewer than four clubs –Barcelona, Paris St Germain, Cruzeiro and Villarreal – in 2003/04. Benitez feels that because the South American season runs from January to January, the rule is not directly applicable.

[ningnangnong]

Rafa is feckin spot on.

FIFA are bloody hopeless, they can't tell **** from shoe polish, fair dinkum.

[AFII]

Despite interest from Liverpool and problems with FIFA, Juventus are stepping up their bid for Javier Mascherano by flying to London for talks.

The Argentine international only joined West Ham United in the summer, but has failed to settle in and is already looking for a switch elsewhere.

While the British Press is filled with stories of Liverpool’s offer to bring him to Anfield Road on loan in January, the Italians are prepared to sneak in.

It’s reported in both ‘Tuttosport’ and the ‘Corriere dello Sport’ this morning that Bianconeri director of sport Alessio Secco has flown to London for advanced negotiations with Mascherano and West Ham.

The intention is to bring the midfielder to Turin immediately on a permanent move rather than Liverpool’s loan proposal.

There are other issues at play here, above all the FIFA rules that seem to prohibit Mascherano’s move to any other side before the summer because he has already played for Brazilian club Corinthians and West Ham in 2006-07.

“The rules are very clear. Article 5.3 states that, although a player can be registered for a maximum of three clubs during the period from 1st July to 30th June, he is only eligible to play in official matches for two clubs in this period,” a FIFA spokesman told ‘The Times.’

However, the Italian media suggest that the timing of the transfer to the Premiership would make this rule void.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...lia/jan6g.html

[tomasjj]

Juve can fooooook off!

[matycowling1007]

How are Juve doing in serie B

[matycowling1007]

Damn just checked there 8 points clear, i would say it looks like hes on his way to juve but didnt he have a medical for us ?

[AFII]

They are in third place one point after Piacenza and Rimini.

[Red_Al_77]

He has stated he wants to be allowed to move to Liverpool. I'd say we are in pole position. Plus he won't be able to play in the CL if he went to Juve until at least August 2008.

[matycowling1007]

ooo i must of looked at an old table

[SouthAfricaRed]

They are in third place one point after Piacenza and Rimini.

They need to strengthen to ensure promotion

[matycowling1007]

i dont know why because in the back of my head i know we dont realy need him, but im genuanly excited about this possible signing.

[Charlie_B]

I really like the idea of this signing. Can't say I ever watched Argentinian or Brazilian football all that much so can't lay claim to him being the best player in the world, like ever, BUT he comes so highly rated and whenever I've seen him internationally he's been awesome/

[SouthAfricaRed]

I really like the idea of this signing. Can't say I ever watched Argentinian or Brazilian football all that much so can't lay claim to him being the best player in the world, like ever, BUT he comes so highly rated and whenever I've seen him internationally he's been awesome/

Just like Veron then

[Red_Al_77]

I remember AF talking Javier up big on KT many moons ago which prompted me to take a greater interest in him especially at the WC. He is a class player and the WHU performances shouldnn't be taken as a reflection of his ability. He is much better than that. Would be a class signing if we pull this off.