Roy Hodgson angry at Rafael Benitez and Barcelona given deadline
Yesterday Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson gave Barcelona until Sunday to increase their bid for Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano has told Hodgson he wants to leave Liverpool and the player was left out of their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night. Barcelona will have to pay something in the region of £25million to nab the captain of Argentina.
Meanwhile, Dirk Kuyt’s future is in doubt at Liverpool as his agent has said talks between the club and Inter Milan over a move are ongoing. However, Hodgson has accused former manager Rafael Benitez of reneging on an agreement not to sign Liverpool players.
“Dirk Kuyt has not told me he wants to go and we have not received an offer from any club for him. There is obviously something going on behind the scenes, possibly involving the agent of Dirk Kuyt and the manager of Inter,” said Hodgson.
“When Benítez left the club he signed an agreement he would not poach players from Liverpool and I think that still applies,” he added.
In other transfer news, Premier League champions Chelsea will once again go for Santos striker Neymar, even though the 18-year old signed a new five-year deal last week, making him the highest-paid player at the club. Also, Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis will turn down a £10million move to Chelsea, opting instead for a move to Sevilla. Chelsea have also increased their bid for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Manchester City are hoping they can sell Robinho during this transfer window after the Brazilian turned down a move to Turkish side Fenerbahçe this week. City manager Roberto Mancini has said if Robinho was to stay, then he would have to work hard to get back into the team.
Carlos Salcido is nearing a £2.5million move to Fulham. The Mexican defender will take the place of Paul Konchesky, who is close to sealing a move to Liverpool to link up again with Hodgson. Meanwhile, Owen Coyle wants to bring Tom Cleverley to Bolton on loan from Manchester United.
David Trezeguet is wanted by West Ham, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. The 32-year old could be available from Juventus, while West Ham will complete the signing of Victory Obinna from Inter Milan.
Blackburn want Denni Advic for around £2million from Elfsborg, while Stoke will sign Marc Wilson from Portsmouth for £3million plus Dave Kitson in exchange. Michael Mancienne will go back on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Blackpool are going to make an improved bid for Sheffield Wednesday’s Marcus Tudgay.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to make a final offer of £9million for Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia and £2million for Crystal Palace’s Nathaniel Clyne.
Also, Newcastle United want Manchester City players Dedryck Boyata and Roque Santa Cruz, while they are set to complete the signing of Hull defender Kamil Zayette for around £1.6million.
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