Good news - Trio to sign
Kop trio set to sign
Jun 7 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
XABI ALONSO, Momo Sissoko and Pepe Reina are ready to sign new contracts at Anfield after being convinced their long-term futures are on Merseyside.
The trio are now extremely close to penning deals following successful negotiations with the club.
Manager Rafa Benitez will be delighted with the progress made when he returns to his desk at Melwood today, as Liverpool have fended off serious interest in all three players from abroad.
It’s hoped the formalities of the deals will be concluded shortly.
Of the three, Reina’s future always looked most secure. Although Valencia wanted to tempt him back to La Liga, Benitez made it clear to the new owners he saw his keeper as an essential component of the team.
Greater uncertainty surrounded the future of Alonso and Sissoko.
Barcelona have shadowed Alonso for months and it seemed a distinct possibility he may leave this summer.
Not now. The feeling within Anfield is the Basque star is certain to reject those overtures and remain with Liverpool.
The same is true of Sissoko, who was the subject of interest from Juventus.
He’s also been offered a lucrative new deal and has indicated he wants to stay.
Meanwhile, West Ham are hoping to blow away their rivals in the race for Craig Bellamy by offering a mega pay deal to the Welsh striker.
The Londoners are understood to have offered a staggering £70,000 a week to the 27-year-old, which would seriously undermine Aston Villa, Newcastle and Blackburn’s hopes of signing the Welsh striker.
Liverpool have not yet received an official approach for the forward, but it’s acknowledged they’re ready to listen to offers.
Bellamy has made it clear he’s not looking for a move, but privately recognises there’s little prospect of him being part of Benitez’s plans next season as he hunts for more striking talent.
Benitez will be looking to make a handsome profit on the £6m Liverpool paid for Bellamy just a year ago.
West Ham look destined to be the Premiership’s biggest spenders this summer and having been warned off Everton’s Andrew Johnson, Alan Curbishley has turned his attention to Bellamy.
Benitez’s first priority when he returns to his office today will be to assess developments in Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Lyon’s Florent Malouda.
Jun 7 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
XABI ALONSO, Momo Sissoko and Pepe Reina are ready to sign new contracts at Anfield after being convinced their long-term futures are on Merseyside.
The trio are now extremely close to penning deals following successful negotiations with the club.
Manager Rafa Benitez will be delighted with the progress made when he returns to his desk at Melwood today, as Liverpool have fended off serious interest in all three players from abroad.
It’s hoped the formalities of the deals will be concluded shortly.
Of the three, Reina’s future always looked most secure. Although Valencia wanted to tempt him back to La Liga, Benitez made it clear to the new owners he saw his keeper as an essential component of the team.
Greater uncertainty surrounded the future of Alonso and Sissoko.
Barcelona have shadowed Alonso for months and it seemed a distinct possibility he may leave this summer.
Not now. The feeling within Anfield is the Basque star is certain to reject those overtures and remain with Liverpool.
The same is true of Sissoko, who was the subject of interest from Juventus.
He’s also been offered a lucrative new deal and has indicated he wants to stay.
Meanwhile, West Ham are hoping to blow away their rivals in the race for Craig Bellamy by offering a mega pay deal to the Welsh striker.
The Londoners are understood to have offered a staggering £70,000 a week to the 27-year-old, which would seriously undermine Aston Villa, Newcastle and Blackburn’s hopes of signing the Welsh striker.
Liverpool have not yet received an official approach for the forward, but it’s acknowledged they’re ready to listen to offers.
Bellamy has made it clear he’s not looking for a move, but privately recognises there’s little prospect of him being part of Benitez’s plans next season as he hunts for more striking talent.
Benitez will be looking to make a handsome profit on the £6m Liverpool paid for Bellamy just a year ago.
West Ham look destined to be the Premiership’s biggest spenders this summer and having been warned off Everton’s Andrew Johnson, Alan Curbishley has turned his attention to Bellamy.
Benitez’s first priority when he returns to his office today will be to assess developments in Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Lyon’s Florent Malouda.
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