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Transfer Speculation Round Up
Jun 23 2005
Rafa Benitez is still keen on Peter Crouch, but is losing patience with Southampton who are asking too much for the player.
Benitez is understood to be prepared to pay 5.5million for the giant England frontman, but the Saints want more. Unless a compromise can be found, it seems likely that Benitez will turn his attention to Feyenoord's Dirk Kuijt.
One player who will almost certainly be joining is Albacete's Chilean international winger, Mark Gonzales. The 20 year old is currently recovering from a serious knee injury, but Benitez will bring him over anyway, perhaps initially on loan.
Gonzalez was taken to Albacete by Paco Herrera, who is now the reds chief scout, so he is a player who is well known to the reds' coaching staff. He's expected to be fit around October.
A centre half remains a top priority, and Benitez has narrowed his search down to two players, one of whom is Real Zaragoza's Argentine international Gabriel Milito, who has spoken of his desire to move to the European Champions.
The other player is rumoured to be Atletico Madrid stopper Pablo Ibanez.
TLW also understands that Benitez has agreed a deal to sign a young right back, but we do not know the identity of the player at this stage.
On the departure front, the club's plans have been affected by the UEFA's decision to enter them into the CL 1st qualifying round.
Unless new players have arrived by the time those games come around, Benitez may need all of those at his disposal.
Anderlecht are keen on Anthony Le Tallec, whilst West Brom and Sheffield United both retain long standing interest in the currently injured Neil Mellor.
Le Tallec may be needed for the qualifiers, whilst Mellor is still several weeks away from a return to action and is desperate to stay at Anfield anyway.
Milan Baros had looked certain to be a summer departee, and a deal had been agreed with Valencia. Baros had told team-mates he was keen a move to Benitez's former employers, but a change of coach at the Mestalla saw them move for Patrick Kluivert instead.
That left Baros in limbo, as the only other club who came in for him were Gerard Houllier's Lyon. It's no secret that Baros has a major problem with Houllier, and although the French club made him a very lucrative offer, the player is not keen on renewing acquantances with his former boss.
Baros is not in Liverpool's plans, but unless a suitable offer comes in he will stay at Anfield, which is not an ideal solution either for him or the club, who had been looking to use the cash raised from his sale to bring in a replacement.
If Baros is still at the club when the qualifiers come around, it will be interesting to see if he is involved, as neither club nor player would want him to be cup tied, as it would restrict the players options as well as his value to the club.
Benitez had been considering recalling Alou Diarra from his loan spell in France, but Didi Hamann's new deal may have put paid to that.
Diarra has impressed in his homeland, even forcing his way into the international reckoning, and Benitez may still want a look at him in training before making a final decision on him.
Salif Diao and Josemi are both available for transfer, whilst Chris Kirkland is hoping to seal a loan move to West Brom when the players return to training next week.
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