Transfer speculations ripe after EPL’s start
After the start of English Premier League, different clubs are busy in buying and selling players as they try to strengthen their squads. Clubs will be interested in finalising their transactions before the transfer window closes. One such club is Liverpool where players are keen to leave Anfield for greener pastures as the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions’ Leagues this season.
Dirk Kuyt is one player who has been linked to the treble-winning Inter Milan. Rafa Benitez, who was sacked this year after Liverpool’s dismal performance in the previous season, is currently managing Inter Milan. Rafa is targeting Kuyt for his new club. The Spanish manager brought Kuyt to Anfield from Feyenoord for a fee of £9 million in 2006 when he was Liverpool’s manager. Inter’s interest in the Dutchman has further increased after their intended move for Giuseppe Sculli of Genoa's has not materialised. However, Kuyt has not categorically announced his departure from Liverpool but his agent insists that the 30-year-old Kuyt is yet to make a decision regarding his future. His agent Rib Jansen, who is negotiating on his behalf, believes that Dirk Kuyt is a professional and will make certain decisions which will suit him.
Kuyt said, “Yes, there is real interest from Inter, but Dirk has not decided yet whether he does want to leave Liverpool. He must think carefully before leaving. This is also a complicated transfer. Dirk Kuyt is a Liverpool player. He has an ongoing contract and was recently in the World Cup final.” According to Jansen, the deal is not simple and it may involve transfer fees or exchange of players. He said, “There will be a transfer fee involved. The deal cannot simply go ahead. Regardless of the choice Dirk must first consider himself. He can move to Inter or just stay at Liverpool. This is a good position to be in. It is also an option that a player from Inter will be involved in the deal with Kuyt.”
Alberto Aquilani is likely to return to his native country after his move to Inter Milan on loan was confirmed by Liverpool’s newly appointed manager Roy Hodgson. Hodgson has confirmed that Rafael Benitez's £20 million signing is not part of his plans at Anfield. Aquilani was plagued with injuries since his arrival at Liverpool and Benitez was criticised for bringing the Italian in place of Xabi Alonso. The 26-year-old Italian was brought in from Roma but failed to play regularly as he was handicapped by injuries. His move to the Italian champions was imminent as he was not picked for Liverpool’s Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor.
While commenting on Aquilani, Hodgson said, “At the moment we are considering possibly loaning him to an Italian club, but nothing is sure about that yet so I don't have anything definite to report. I didn't want to use him (against Trabzonspor) just in case the loan goes through, because for Aquilani this year it's very important that he plays regular football.” However, Hodgson has ruled out that Aquilani’s future at Anfield is over. Former Fulham manager said, “I can't promise him that here so if a loan move to Italy could help him in that respect. It would certainly be what he needs, it would certainly protect the value of the player and when he does return to Liverpool no doubt we will see the Aquilani that we signed before he came here injured last year.”
On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that French William Gallas is set to move from Arsenal to White Hart Lane. Gallas would be joining Tottenham on free transfer as his talks with Arsenal on contract extension have resulted in failure. Former Chelsea defender made 145 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 17 goals since joining them in 2006. Commenting on Gallas, Redknapp said, “He's a no-brainer on a free transfer. He's never asked for big money here. The chairman's agreed a one-year contract with him and the wages are more than reasonable.”
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