Traore poised for £2m move Aug 7 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
DJIMI TRAORE is on the verge of leaving Anfield in a £2m move to Charlton.
Liverpool were hoping a deal would go through today, ending the defender's seven-year Anfield career.
A fee has been agreed with the Londoners, with the Reds hoping talks would conclude successfully within 24 hours.
Somewhat remarkably, Traore is one of the longest serving players left at Anfield, and he'll leave the club with an impressive list of honours, including a Champions League winners' medal.
He was signed by ex-boss Gerard Houllier for £750,000 from Laval in 1999, when there were high hopes he'd follow in the tradition of world class French defenders.
Unfortunately, Traore never hit those heights, although it could be argued he's often been maligned far more than his overall performances deserved.
Now Charlton boss Iain Dowie is prepared to give Traore a fresh chance at The Valley, while Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be happy to have more finances in the kitty.
The Reds are currently back in negotiations with Feyenoord as they try to conclude a deal for Dirk Kuyt.
The Dutch want £10m for the hitman, who scored in his side's 2-0 friendly win over Middlesbrough yesterday.
Liverpool are unlikely to meet that valuation, but are still working to shift more fringe players out of the club so they can afford a substantial offer.
Kuyt has privately made it clear Liverpool are his first choice, despite interest from several other Premiership clubs, most notably Newcastle.
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
DJIMI TRAORE is on the verge of leaving Anfield in a £2m move to Charlton.
Liverpool were hoping a deal would go through today, ending the defender's seven-year Anfield career.
A fee has been agreed with the Londoners, with the Reds hoping talks would conclude successfully within 24 hours.
Somewhat remarkably, Traore is one of the longest serving players left at Anfield, and he'll leave the club with an impressive list of honours, including a Champions League winners' medal.
He was signed by ex-boss Gerard Houllier for £750,000 from Laval in 1999, when there were high hopes he'd follow in the tradition of world class French defenders.
Unfortunately, Traore never hit those heights, although it could be argued he's often been maligned far more than his overall performances deserved.
Now Charlton boss Iain Dowie is prepared to give Traore a fresh chance at The Valley, while Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be happy to have more finances in the kitty.
The Reds are currently back in negotiations with Feyenoord as they try to conclude a deal for Dirk Kuyt.
The Dutch want £10m for the hitman, who scored in his side's 2-0 friendly win over Middlesbrough yesterday.
Liverpool are unlikely to meet that valuation, but are still working to shift more fringe players out of the club so they can afford a substantial offer.
Kuyt has privately made it clear Liverpool are his first choice, despite interest from several other Premiership clubs, most notably Newcastle.
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