KopStuff 29/5/10 - Aquilani to Prove His Anfield Worth / Transfer Funds in Doubt?

Saturday 29th May.

Alberto Aquilani pledges future to Anfield / Transfer kitty in doubt?

News: Alberto Aquilani has reportedly rejected the overtures of Juventus, stating that he intends to ‘prove his worth’ at Anfield. FootyLatest runs the story, suggesting that the Turin outfit have made multiple advances towards the £20 million rated Italian. Aquilani had a stop/start first season at Anfield, but despite negativity in the press, quickly became a player that most Kopites wanted to see on the team sheet, with most, if not all, preferring him to the ineffectual Lucas. News of his determination to impress next season will be well-received, but now deflects transfer speculation to fellow midfielders Mascherano and Gerrard.

Rumour: Readers on Thursday would have been delighted to see that co-owner Tom Hicks had pledged ‘substantial investment’ this summer, in an attempt to bolster the red’s squad. Not so, says the Mail today, suggesting that Rafa Benitez has a transfer kitty of just £5million. The story itself is a masterpiece in creative journalism, ignoring many of the facts to back up a preposterous headline. Riera and Babel to be sold to ease cash-flow problems? Really? Two of Anfield’s most unsettled and outspoken stars are unlikely to bring in any real money, but their departures would go a long way towards quietening any unrest or dissent in the dressing room. Furthermore, suggestions that Liverpool’s move for Rangers defender Danny Wilson is under threat for financial reasons would appear to be wide of the mark – hilariously so – as it was the Mail itself which ran the story about doubts over Wilson’s ‘homegrown’ status souring the deal.

News: The S*n follows up yesterday’s Gerrard injury scare story with confirmation that the Liverpool skipper has now missed his second successive England training session. FA chiefs, it reports, are denying that there is any long term problem, but speculation grew after Gerrard received treatment from head physio Gary Lewin, instead of one of England’s fitness coaches.
One Liverpool player back in training is Glen Johnson, who has recovered from his calf problem to produce some ‘excellent finishing’ in England’s shooting session.

KopStuff Fri 28th May - Heysel 25th Anniversary / Simao to Liverpool?

Friday 28th May.

This weekend will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster, when thirty-nine fans lost their lives at the 1985 European Cup Final. A two minutes’ silence will be held today at Liverpool Town Hall, followed by a service in remembrance of the victims of the tragedy. The town hall bells will ring thirty-nine times in their memory, with a repeat tomorrow, the anniversary day.

These are just part of a series of events being held in the run up to Saturday’s anniversary, following on from the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Anfield on Wednesday. Representatives from Liverpool and Juventus were present at the corresponding service, including former captain Phil Neal and Juve Centre back Sergio Brio, both of whom played in the final.

Rumour: The Daily Star runs will a fairly interesting - and reasonably believable - rumour, that Rafa Benitez is weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid’s Portuguese winger Simao. Benitez has been linked with a move for the wide man before, with the left side of midfield proving to be a difficult position to fill. With just a year left on his contract, Atletico may just be interested in cashing in on the 30 year old, although Red’s fans will perhaps question an outlay of £8 million on a player who may not have too many seasons left in him.

News: TeamTalk covers the ongoing sale of the club, with co-owner Tom Hicks reported as stating that there are a large number of ‘interested buyers’. The Texan claimed yesterday that any sale could take up to twelve months, a timescale which will not be popular amongst Reds fans. Whilst none of the ‘interested buyers’ are named, Hicks hinted they may come from Asia or the Middle East where there are, apparently, ‘a number of wealthy people’. Whoever it is will certainly need big pockets, with the Americans still holding out for £800 million for the debt-laden club.

Rumour: The Guardian carries a story about future Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho’s summer transfer targets, naming Red’s captain Steven Gerrard as top of his wish list. The news will come as no surprise to Liverpool fans, as Mourinho has long been an admirer of Gerrard, attempting, unsuccessfully, to lure him to Chelsea three years ago. Whilst Benitez and the board remain adamant that Gerrard and Torres will be with the club next season, it will be interesting to see their resolve if a big money bid is tabled. Gerrard himself will look for assurances that the club intends to invest in new talent over the summer – otherwise, our talismanic captain may have his head turned by the lure of Champions League football in Spain.

News: Still on the topic of Steven Gerrard, the Mail reports that the midfielder limped out of an England training session yesterday, requiring treatment on his right calf. Gerrard isn’t the only Liverpool player struggling to be fit for England duties, with Glen Johnson missing training with a groin problem.