by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
BLACKBURN remain keen to sign Steve Warnock despite the pending collapse of Lucas Neill’s move to Anfield.
Warnock was expected to head to Ewood Park as part of a swop, but now fears being left in limbo by Neill’s seemingly imminent decision to reject a switch to Liverpool.
Talks are ongoing on Warnock’s position, as Benitez looks to raise funds for alternative targets.
Liverpool want £1.5m for the 25-year-old full back.
Neill travelled to London last night for a West Ham medical, apparently preferring to join the relegation battle at Upton Park rather than the annual pursuit of honours on Merseyside.
Benitez was still awaiting confirmation, but it now seems only a late change of heart from Neill will change the outcome.
A clear difference in salary can be the only explanation for Neill’s decision, with Benitez stunned the defender is seriously considering snubbing the opportunity to face Chelsea this weekend, as well as the glamorous Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Although, on the surface, a gulf of around £20,000 a week in personal terms is massive, Neill would still have been handsomely rewarded at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to continue their fight to sign Javier Mascherano for as long as it takes, as FIFA contemplate whether to give the go-ahead to his transfer.
The Reds have compiled a list of similar deals, with players featuring for three clubs within the football calendar year.
Arsenal’s Jeremie Aliadere played for three clubs during loan spells last season, playing for Celtic, West Ham and Wolves between July 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006.
In the current season, Jonathan Stead began the campaign at Sunderland, moved to Derby on loan, and last weekend made his debut for Sheffield United.
Benitez believes there are more examples where exceptions have been made for the benefit of all parties.
The view within football is the law is appropriate when protecting clubs who fear losing players they’ve just signed, but when there is widespread agreement it seems illogical to stop a transfer proceeding.
The deal for Mascherano is also for a loan, so technically he’ll still be West Ham’s player until the end of the season should he move to Anfield.
In any event, Benitez is prepared to take the battle further.
“We are trying to find a solution with FIFA and believe we have a good case to appeal for the transfer to go ahead,” explained Benitez.
“People say we can’t do this deal, but why are there so many other examples? I know of one player who played for fours clubs in a year. There needs to be a solution and I still have confidence the player can join us. There are rules in football, but they are not laws that can’t be challenged. The Bosman case proved that.”
Meanwhile, Bolo Zenden has now resumed full training after recovering from a knee problem, while Momo Sissoko is edging closer to fitness.
Mark Gonzalez is also back in contention, having made a swift recovery from a shin injury.
BLACKBURN remain keen to sign Steve Warnock despite the pending collapse of Lucas Neill’s move to Anfield.
Warnock was expected to head to Ewood Park as part of a swop, but now fears being left in limbo by Neill’s seemingly imminent decision to reject a switch to Liverpool.
Talks are ongoing on Warnock’s position, as Benitez looks to raise funds for alternative targets.
Liverpool want £1.5m for the 25-year-old full back.
Neill travelled to London last night for a West Ham medical, apparently preferring to join the relegation battle at Upton Park rather than the annual pursuit of honours on Merseyside.
Benitez was still awaiting confirmation, but it now seems only a late change of heart from Neill will change the outcome.
A clear difference in salary can be the only explanation for Neill’s decision, with Benitez stunned the defender is seriously considering snubbing the opportunity to face Chelsea this weekend, as well as the glamorous Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Although, on the surface, a gulf of around £20,000 a week in personal terms is massive, Neill would still have been handsomely rewarded at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to continue their fight to sign Javier Mascherano for as long as it takes, as FIFA contemplate whether to give the go-ahead to his transfer.
The Reds have compiled a list of similar deals, with players featuring for three clubs within the football calendar year.
Arsenal’s Jeremie Aliadere played for three clubs during loan spells last season, playing for Celtic, West Ham and Wolves between July 31, 2005 and June 30, 2006.
In the current season, Jonathan Stead began the campaign at Sunderland, moved to Derby on loan, and last weekend made his debut for Sheffield United.
Benitez believes there are more examples where exceptions have been made for the benefit of all parties.
The view within football is the law is appropriate when protecting clubs who fear losing players they’ve just signed, but when there is widespread agreement it seems illogical to stop a transfer proceeding.
The deal for Mascherano is also for a loan, so technically he’ll still be West Ham’s player until the end of the season should he move to Anfield.
In any event, Benitez is prepared to take the battle further.
“We are trying to find a solution with FIFA and believe we have a good case to appeal for the transfer to go ahead,” explained Benitez.
“People say we can’t do this deal, but why are there so many other examples? I know of one player who played for fours clubs in a year. There needs to be a solution and I still have confidence the player can join us. There are rules in football, but they are not laws that can’t be challenged. The Bosman case proved that.”
Meanwhile, Bolo Zenden has now resumed full training after recovering from a knee problem, while Momo Sissoko is edging closer to fitness.
Mark Gonzalez is also back in contention, having made a swift recovery from a shin injury.
Comment