Bogman

Does it all fucking matter? Some people will argue the toss for the sake of arguing.

I actually will wait, see what he is like, then slate if necessary, not before the lad has even put on a shirt. I know, controversial.

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Balague: 31/07/2009 Alonso Deadline Extended - But Differences Over Valuation Remain The reports that Xabi Alonso had handed in a transfer request appear to have had the desired effect in acting as a catalyst to the affair, as both Liverpool and Real Madrid have, at least, resumed negotiations... However, differences over the player`s valuation and the structure of any deal remain the key sticking point. Real Madrid have pushed for Liverpool to extend their deadline on the deal to Monday in order that the Premier League club take time to consider a new player plus cash offer. Negredo, Van der Vaart or Huntelaar are the Real Madrid players in question, and the respective fee would depend upon whichever player Liverpool are willing to acept. Of the three Madrid players, Negredo would most suit Benitez` need for an additional striker, but Liverpool have always maintained that they have no desire to engage in a player exchange with Real Madrid and that they will only accept a cash payment – and the two sides continue to disagree over that amount as well. Liverpool were yesterday sticking to their €35 million (plus €5 million add-ons) valuation, while Real Madrid are still proposing a €25 million deal. The matter took another late twist as it emerged last night that at least two other teams - one English and one Italian club, possibly Inter and Manchester City – are expected to make superior offers to Madrid in the coming days. Benitez` desire to extract the maximum amount of cash from the deal is apparent and wholly understandable: the Liverpool manager has seen his transfer kitty near exhausted following the purchase of Glen Johnson and the renewal of key player contracts at Anfield. The Daily Mail are reporting that Wigan`s Lee Cattermole is a priority, with Liverpool prepared to offer €14 million for the England U21 international; while reports coming out of Italy suggest that another of Benitez` targets, Alberto Aquilani, is already the subject of an €18 million bid from Anfield.

Right there, that's my missus down to a t

Silvia Saint

Reds close to winning Xabi Alonso battle: Liverpool FC latest Jul 28 2009 by David Prentice, Liverpool REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez claims he is ready to walk away from his summer-long pursuit of Xabi Alonso – because Liverpool won’t play ball! Reds boss Rafa Benitez has refused to budge from his £30million valuation of the Spanish international. But that is way above Real’s estimation and Perez insists that despite his club’s massive outlay on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka this summer, they will not pay over the odds for any remaining targets. “Some people obviously thought that because we said we wanted more Spanish players, they could ask for fees which don’t correspond to reality,” he said. “A year ago, certain players we’ve asked about would have cost less than half the price we’re being quoted now. “If necessary, we’ll find the Spanish players we would like for the squad in our youth system.” Then, in a strong message to Liverpool, Perez added: “We made huge attempts at the start to sign players who had won the Ballon d'Or or the World Footballer of the Year award. “But the arrivals of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo have confused some people who obviously thought that, because we said we wanted more Spanish players, they could ask for fees which don't correspond to reality.” Perez also suggested any deal for Alonso would be dependent on the club selling a number of their players deemed surplus to requirements. He continued: “We brought in a lot of players, our prime objectives, at the start and now we have the absurd number of 29 players in our squad, when we can only register 25 for the league. “It has been more difficult than we expected encouraging players to look at other options. At this point, for a player to arrive, at least one would have to leave. “There is a financial element to that, but it is mainly a technical one. We cannot have so many players who would not have chance to play. It has to be one in, one out for us at the moment.” Benitez is adamant he will not lower his asking price, and Alonso’s reluctance to publicly state his desire to quit Anfield has left the Reds holding all the aces during negotiations. A Liverpool XI, meanwhile, is in action tonight when they face Cambridge United at the R Costings Abbey Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm). John McMahon will be in charge of the team for a match which marks the first game for new U's boss Martin Ling. Liverpool Echo.co.uk - Liverpool FC - News - Reds close to winning Xabi Alonso battle: Liverpool FC latest

Arbeloa closes on Real move Reds full-back set to rejoin former club Last updated: 28th July 2009 Football Betting - Liverpool Specials Not win any major trophy 8/15, Win any major trophy 11/8, Prem and FA Cup 20/1 or Prem and Carling Cup 25/1 Bet £10 Get £10 Free - Open Account Arbeloa: Set to join Real Related links Teams Liverpool Real Madrid Players Alvaro Arbeloa Also see Transfer Centre Fantasy Football Papers Your View Betting Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa claims he is close to finalising his anticipated move to Real Madrid. Arbeloa has been linked with a move to Real throughout the summer with his chances at Liverpool likely to be more limited this season following the signing of Glen Johnson. Real, who are also chasing Arbeloa's team-mate Xabi Alonso, are keen to increase the number of Spaniards in their squad following the big-money arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. A £4.5million fee for Arbeloa has been mooted and the Spain international believes talks over a move to Real are making positive progress. "At the moment I am focused on Liverpool, but it is true that the deal is close to being completed," he told Spanish sports daily Marca. "We'll see what happens in the next few days, if we can all make an effort so the the negotiations come to a good end, and we all come out having benefited, which is what everyone wants. "I insist that everything is going forwards and everyone is in agreement - I am the one who has the most desire to sign for Madrid. "I don't know what the likelihood is in percentages, it's a question more for the clubs. But, as I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve. "It could all be sealed this week." Arbeloa has made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool since joining the Premier League club from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007. He signed for Deportivo from Real, having failed to make an impact in his first spell at the Bernabeu after playing in the youth team for current Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Tis an apparition.

No 69 with a flake in it?

just look at them, they're disgusting. :yes:

And keeping on the weather presenting theme

Wake upto this every morning.

I'd push the boat out and put on some clean underwear, just so that I could soil them again.

Down to the lights, chuck a left, straight on for 1000 yards (stare), then up the dirt track until you reach the hills. They have eyes, you know. :eek:

Because they're Utd, and have the untouchable slur alex fergiescum at their helm. The end. Full stop. Period.

Liverpool issue denial over Alonso bid - Premier League, Football - The Independent Liverpool issue denial over Alonso bid By Paul Walker, PA Thursday, 23 July 2009 Liverpool have dismissed claims today that a fee has been agreed with Real Madrid for the sale of Xabi Alonso. Suggestions the Spanish international would not be travelling on to the second part of the club's Far East tour were also allayed by the 28-year-old's involvement today in training at Singapore's national stadium. The club insisted Alonso did not figure in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Thailand in Bangkok because of an ankle injury, although he travelled with the party to Singapore today. There have been claims in Spain that the reason for his absence from the team was down to a deal having been struck with Real and Liverpool's desire for the player not to pick up an injury. However, a Liverpool spokesman said today: "Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad. He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that. "And there has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer to anyone." It has been claimed that Madrid have decided to end the summer-long saga in the face of defiance from Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who has intimated that he wants a fee of over £30m for the player. It has been suggested the Spanish giants are now prepared to meet the asking price for their transfer target. Alonso has made his desire to leave clear, and had hoped not to have to fly to Vienna on Sunday to meet up with the Liverpool squad ahead of the flight to the Far East. But Alonso did make the trip, and sources at Liverpool expect him to face Singapore on Sunday before the squad fly back to the UK the following day. A number of players have been linked with Liverpool if Alonso departs including Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), Alberto Aquilani (Roma) and Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao. There are also claims today that the refinancing package being negotiated by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett could be delayed. The deadline for the pair's loans to be refinanced with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia is tomorrow. The club's American owners have been confident that they will get the refinancing of their original £350million loans, but negotiations could well continue beyond this week. RBS have made all the right noises about agreeing a new loan package, but there are rumours that Wachovia are not as keen.

Rashid who?

From the Beeb The man allegedly attacked by England midfielder Steven Gerrard in a Merseyside bar has told a jury he faced a "barrage" of punches. Marcus McGee, 34, told Liverpool Crown Court he was attacked after he refused to give Mr Gerrard control of a CD player in the Lounge Inn, Southport. Mr McGee, who was initially struck by Mr Gerrard's friend John Doran, said he thought the footballer hit him first. Mr Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside denies affray. Mr McGee lost a crown on a front tooth in the attack in the early hours of 29 December last year, the court heard. Mr Gerrard, who was in the club with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle Utd, is shown on CCTV walking away before he returns several minutes later. Stereo control He said: "I remember a barrage of punches coming in at my face but I didn't know who has done what. "Having watched the CCTV it was obvious Steven Gerrard hits me a couple of times, maybe three times, but I couldn't honestly say on the night. "I didn't know who did what." Mr McGee said he was asked by the manager to be in charge of the music. Watching the CCTV footage along with the jury, Mr McGee said he had thrown no punches and was in a "nondescript" mood. Mr Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle Being led through his evidence by prosecuting barrister David Turner QC, Mr McGee said Mr Gerrard had tried to grab a card from his hand which controlled the stereo. He said: "Mr Gerrard came to me from my left hand side and requested he wanted control of the music. "It was something to the effect of 'Here you are, lad, give me that'." He said he recognised Mr Gerrard, but did not give the card to him. "It wasn't my permission to be giving it out to somebody else, it was my job so I didn't hand it over. "He made a move to try to grab the card to take it away and I remember it slipped on the floor at one stage. "He then walked away, that was the end of it." Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton, admit affray. Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport, have also admitted affray. John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, has admitted threatening behaviour after denying affray. The trial continues.

Has he gone yet? I'm blaming Rafa for that, and the fact me ovens just broke.

To be fair to Stevie, the blame lies solely at Rafa's door. Can't believe no-ones pointed that out yet. Shoddy.

Agreed. Shoddy all round.

Aye, what I see is that Gerrard gets smacked first then they gets obscured from the camera. Didn't see Stevie throw any punches, therefore case adjured, me lud. simples.