Liverpool F.C News
Benitez holds transfer talks with Barcelona
Rafa Benitez held transfer talks with Barcelona officials yesterday to discuss Javier Mascherano’s future.
Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain held a conference call with the Liverpool boss and formally registered Barcelona’s interest in the midfielder despite being told that the player is unavailable. An official bid will now follow.
Alonso clause – new information
The latest gossip is that Real Madrid are holding off making their bid for Xabi Alonso official until after July 1st because of a sell-on clause in the player’s contract that would see his former club receive a 20 percent cut of any transfer fee that Real pay us, fresh claims now state that the clause expires on July 18th and not July 1st.
I am not sure if that claim is accurate but I do know that it continues to explain why the Spanish giants have been holding back with their formal bid.
Liverpool confirm sale of winger
Liverpool Football Club have agreed to sell Sebastian Leto to Greek side Panathinaikos for an undisclosed fee due to work permit problems.
The deal has been confirmed at Anfield.
Liverpool owners tipped to secure refinancing
George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been tipped to secure refinancing of their huge debts before the July deadline.
One of football’s top takeover experts believes the American duo will be given cash to extend their stay at Anfield despite suggestions that at least one of the two banks – RBS and Wachovia – won’t agree a deal.
Former Football League chairman Keith Harris, who helped broker takeovers of Chelsea and Manchester City, said: “I think there will be a negotiated settlement.
“The only way banks can make money is to start lending again. The two banks RBS and Wachovia, have said they don’t want to be involved in this kind of business and RBS are quite stretched.
“But it’s amazing how things look like they’re about to fall apart and people come together.”
Harris has also warned the duo that if they’re still prepared to sell that they will have to lower their asking price by as much as 20%.
He added: “There is some renewed interest now (in Premier League clubs). There’s been a shocking fallow period but just like you are seeing investors putting money into property companies and banks, people are investing again in football clubs.
“Generally, asset values have fallen – so 10 to 20 per cent is a decent estimate.”
Harris also said that he would be surprised if Stephen Hester, the new chief executive of RBS, refused a deal.
Liverpool Pre-season friendly’s
15 Jul, 2009 – St Gallen – Away game
19 Jul, 2009 – Rapid Vienna – Away game
22 Jul, 2009 – Thailand – Away game
26 Jul, 2009 – Singapore – Away game
02 Aug, 2009 – Espanyol – Away game
05 Aug, 2009 – FC Lyn – Away game
08 Aug, 2009 – Atletico Madrid – Home game
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