Adebayor Still Wanted By Barca

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Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is still a transfer target for La Liga giants Barcelona next summer, with David Villa at Valencia and Lyon’s Karim Benzema also on the Catalan clubs potential list of recruits for the Nou Camp next season, according to Sport.

24-year-old Adebayor had been on the verge of joining Barca during the summer in a £30million deal, with Serie A side AC Milan also interested in the Togolese International. However, a move to either the Blaugrana or the Rossoneri failed to materialise and the former Monaco striker agreed to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, which is believed to be worth around £80,000-a-week to Adebayor.

Adebayor has struggled with niggling injuries this season for the Gunners, but has still scored 8 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side, 7 of which have come in the Premiership.

A move for Adebayor by Barcelona could be easier and probably cheaper than any attempt to land Villa or Benzema, but the Togolese hit-man would still cost in excess of £25million, with it unknown if Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would be willing to let the forward leave the North London club.

Another factor, which could affect any move by the Spanish side for Adebayor is Togo’s involvement in the African Cup of Nations next year, with Togo on course to qualify for the tournament. Barca, are already going to lose Cameroon International Samuel Eto’o for a month to the tournament next year and are unlikely to want to have two key players in the same position missing for so long.

Arsenal To Offer £3million For Future "World's Best" Keeper?

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Arsenal are set to make a £3million offer for Dutch International goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen, with Gunners manager Arsene Wenger keen to bring in the highly-rated Vitesse Arnhem player to the Emirates Stadium in January, according to The Mirror.

22-year-old Velthuizen is highly thought of in Dutch football, with the young keeper also on the radar of Valencia and Serie A Champions Inter Milan. Wenger has been following the progress of Velthuizen since last season, with the keeper’s performances for Vitesse earning him a call up to the senior Dutch squad earlier this year.



Wenger faces the possibility of losing Arsenal’s No2 keeper Lukas Fabianski, who is said to be frustrated at his lack of opportunities in the Premier League for Arsenal and is a target for Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain.

It is now understood that Arsenal are ready to make an offer for Velthuizen and steal a march on the Nerazzurri and Los Che in order to bring the young Dutchman to the Premiership. Velthuizen is seen by Wenger as a keeper that can provide serious competition for Manuel Almunia at the Emirates, with Velthuizen open to the move and laying claim to wanting to be the world’s best.

Velthuizen said: “I don't just want to be a top keeper, I want to be the world's best.”

City Will Have To Wait For £60million Villa

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Manchester City will have to wait until the end of the season if they wish to add EURO 2008 star David Villa at Valencia to the squad at the Eastlands Stadium, according to reports in Spain.

City are expected to be a major player in the January transfer market, with owner’s the ADUG keen to flex their financial muscle in order to turn the Premier League club into a real force in European football.

Blues manager Mark Hughes is eager to use some of that wealth to attract a striker of proven world-class quality to the Premiership side, with 27-year-old Villa being heavily linked with a world record transfer of £60million from the Mestalla to the Eastlands next month.

However, the Spanish media are reporting that Los Che, despite rumours of serious financial trouble at the La Liga club want to hold on to Villa until the end of the season. Meaning City would have to wait to sign the prolific striker, who was the top-scorer at EURO 2008 in the summer.

Spanish International Villa has been at Valencia since joining from Real Zaragoza in 2005 and has scored an impressive 82 goals in 146 appearances for Valencia, with the striker also finding the net 24 times in 41 caps for Spain. Making Villa one of the hottest properties in European football.

Man City May Be Rich Now, But Will They Just Chuck Money Around In January?

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The New Voice Of Football column at FootballFancast.com

Manchester City broke the British transfer record on transfer deadline-day to sign Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5million after the takeover at the Eastlands Stadium by the ADUG on the same day. Since then the media have come to the conclusion that the wealthy Arab owner’s will be prepared to chuck as much money around as is needed to land any player they fancy.

I for one do not think this will be the case. Wealthy? Yes. Stupid? No. While, City are in the position to outbid anyone for a player they want, they simply won’t pay massively over the odds just in order to get their man.

Take the case of Robinho (left), Chelsea wanted him and offered £30million, so City steal in and do a deal at £2.5million more, Real take that deal and so Robinho ends up in Manchester, despite the Brazilian revealing recently that Stamford Bridge was where he wanted to play.

So now look at the list of potential targets for the Premier League side in January, which include David Villa, Kaka, Gianluigi Buffon, Esteban Cambiasso, Fernando Torres and Roque Santa Cruz.

Now the name on that list that has cropped up most recently, with a World Record price tag attached is Valencia striker Villa, but how did anyone arrive at the figure of £60million? Valencia, are in dire straits financially and surely if City are to pay £60million. Then another club has to be willing to pay £55million, but I have not heard anything to that affect. So why would the City owner’s launch in at £60million?

Take what will probably be a much cheaper option in Mark Hughes former player Roque Santa Cruz at Blackburn Rovers, if offers are coming in for him at around £15million. Would it not make sense to just gazump them by a little in the same way City did with Robinho and Chelsea?

The only possible exception on that list is AC Milan playmaker Kaka, who if the Rossoneri decide to sell then a bidding war will ensue, starting at a pretty big fee and ending up anywhere. However, City will again only have to go that extra yard if they really want to recruit the soon to be former FIFA World Player of the Year to the Eastlands.

Yes, Man City will certainly be making a few big-money signings in January, but I can’t see them offering £10-20million more for a player just to get their man. You see my experience of rich people is they didn’t become rich by throwing it away when they simply didn’t have to.

City To Swoop For Arsenal Legend Henry?

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Manchester City, are considering a bid to bring Arsenal legend Thierry Henry back to the Premier League from La Liga giants Barcelona, according to the Daily Mail.

31-year-old Henry, who left the Emirates Stadium for the Nou Camp in 2007 as the Gunners record goal-scorer, with 226 in 369 appearances in all competitions for the North London club had been linked with a move to City’s rivals, Premiership Champions Manchester United in the summer.

However, United chose to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur and French International Henry remained at the Blaugrana, where after a slow start in his debut season in La Liga he is now a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s team, who are currently top of La Liga.

Henry, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend in the 4-0 destruction of Valencia is understood to be open to a return to England, with City backed by the wealth of owner’s the ADUG prepared offer the striker a mega-deal in personal terms in order to lure the forward to the Eastlands.

While, Barca will be reluctant to let Henry leave the Catalan club it is understood that Henry is unhappy at the racist taunts himself and Cameroon International Samuel Eto’o suffer in away games and this could be enough to see the former AS Monaco striker quit the Nou Camp and return to England, with City.

City On Verge Of World Record Deal For Villa?

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EURO 2008 winner David Villa is on the verge of a world record £52million transfer from Valencia to the Premier League with Manchester City, with the Spanish International’s agent due to fly into England on Tuesday to thrash out a deal for the striker, according to The News of the World.

City owner’s the ADUG, who broke the British transfer record, when they brought Brazilian Robinho to the Eastlands Stadium on transfer deadline day in the summer for £32.5million from Real Madrid are understood to have already rubber stamped Citizens manager Mark Hughes’ move for Villa. As the Manchester club look to flex their financial muscle when the transfer window reopens in January.

Los Che are understood to be in serious financial turmoil and City, are ready to take advantage by making Villa the most expensive signing in football history. With the fee for 27-year-old Villa set to eclipse the £50million Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

A source close to the deal said: “It is clear City need a world-class striker and Villa fits the bill.

“The Arabs have been impressed with him and Mark Hughes is convinced he will do well in English football.

“His agent will be flying in on Tuesday and there is every chance talks and a deal will be concluded by the end of the week.”

Villa has been at Valencia since joining from Real Zaragoza in 2004, with the prolific striker boasting an incredible 70 goals in 114 La Liga appearances during his time at the Mestalla and is considered one of the hottest properties in European football.

Benitez Snubs £12million Liverpool Offer

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has snubbed the Merseyside clubs initial £12million offer on a new deal at Anfield, with the former Valencia coach understood to be holding out for parity in financial terms with the other manager’s of the ‘Big Four’ clubs in the Premier League, according to The News of the World.

The initial offer was believed to be a two-year extension to Benitez’s current contract at Liverpool, which runs out in 2010, with his annual salary to rise from £3.5million to just under £4million for the remainder of his time at the Reds.

However, Benitez has turned down this offer, with the Spaniard wanting his new deal to match those of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who both reportedly earn in the region of £4.5million a year.

American co-owner’s Tom Hicks and George Gillett are arguing that Benitez has not won a trophy for Liverpool since his last contract renewal in 2006, with the wages Benitez is demanding proving to be a major stumbling block in thrashing out a deal to extend his four-year stay on the Red half of Merseyside.

Benitez has always insisted that he wishes to remain at Anfield and is understood to want a five-year deal at Liverpool, but his initial refusal at the two-year contract on offer, will alert La Liga Champions Real Madrid, who want to bring Benitez back to Spain at the Bernabeu. Where the Spaniard started his coaching career spending nine-years in charge of the Real Madrid youth and B teams.

Benitez Drops Keane To Fuel Liverpool Exit Speculation

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has dropped Republic of Ireland International Robbie Keane for the Premier League clash with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday. Which is sure to fuel speculation about the striker’s future at the Merseyside club just four months after Keane’s £20million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite EURO 2008 winner Fernando Torres being out with a persistent hamstring problem, Benitez has not included Keane in the Liverpool squad that travelled to Blackburn, but has insisted that there is plenty of time left in the season for the former Inter Milan player to feature.

Keane has featured in all 15 of the Reds Premiership matches this season, but has only managed to find the net twice in the Premier League since his big-money move from White Hart Lane in the summer.

However, while Benitez has claimed there is plenty of time left this campaign for Keane to come good on Merseyside. The Spaniard also declared that Keane is just “another player” and that no one at Anfield is guaranteed a place.

Benitez said: “He is working hard in training as always. The best way to support him is by talking about how he can improve. We have to analyse everything because we have to think about him and the team.

“There are six months of the season left so I can pick him lots of times but I cannot guarantee a position to anyone.

“He is a normal player, another player. As a player you have to work hard and try and do the things we are practising in training.

“We have to win. He is in the same situation as the rest of the players. Can I guarantee the position of Agger, Hyypia, Aurelio, Dossena, Carragher, no?

“The players have to play the best that they can every week and then afterwards you decide.

“We can talk about players costing £15m-£20m at other teams and they are on the bench every week but people are not talking about them.

“For me it is not a question of the price tag of the player, he is just another player.”

Benitez also refused to be drawn on how negotiations are going on a new contract for him at Liverpool, which the former Valencia coach had hoped to be done and dusted by the end of November.

“My advisors are in contact with the club and that’s it,” he said.

“I would like to concentrate on football because they are doing their job.”

Hildebrand Released From Valencia To Pave Way For Swoop For Spurs Keeper?

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La Liga club Valencia have revealed that they have released German International goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand, which could pave the way for a January swoop for Cesar Sanchez at Premiership club Tottenham Hotspur, who the Xotos have been heavily linked with recently.

29-year-old Hildebrand (left) has fallen out of favour at the Mestalla, with Valencia coach Unai Emery opting to play Brazilian Renan Brato in goal at the Spanish club. Hildebrand joined Valencia from Bundesliga side Stuttgart in 2007 and had been under contract at Los Che until 2010.

“Valencia wishes Hildebrand the best of luck in his future professional career,” A statement read on its Web site.

Valencia could now make a January move for Spurs No2 keeper Cesar Sanchez, who despite Tottenham No1 Heurelho Gomes making a string of high-profile errors since his summer transfer from PSV Eindhoven to White Hart Lane for £7.8million, has still to make an appearance for the North London club in the Premier League.

Cesar’s agent Arturo Canales is understood to have already met with Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomes about a proposed return to Spain. However, Cesar has played down talk of a return to Spain, with the former Real Madrid shot-stopper insisting he is happy in the Premiership and did not wish to discuss the possibility of leaving Tottenham.

Cesar told Setanta.com on Monday: “I am in London, waiting to know what is going to happen.

“My mission is simple – work every day and then the coach takes his decisions.

“I have been told that Spurs are looking to sign a keeper in January, but we have not been told anything by the club yet.

“Personally I am happy with my Premier League experience but playing some minutes is also what I want.

“Returning to Spain? I am under contract with Spurs and do not wish to speak about rumours.”

Arsenal Planning January Swoop For Dutch Pair?

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Arsenal are tracking two players at former England manager Steve McClaren’s Eredivisie side FC Twente, with winger Eljero Elia along with defender Douglas (below) both reportedly on the radar of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

21-year-old Elia is also a target for Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Hull City, Blackburn Rovers and Everton, with the Tigers along with the Toffees and Blackburn believed to have watched Elia in action for Twente against Manchester City in the UEFA Cup recently at the Eastlands Stadium. Wenger is believed to have been at the European clash to run the rule over Elia personally.

Arsenal’s chief scout Steve Rowley is also understood to have watched Elia play for Twente against SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie recently, with the young Dutchman putting in an electric performance.

Wenger is also believed to be interested in Twente’s Brazilian defender Douglas, with the Frenchman seeing the 20-year-old as a good prospect for the future at the Emirates Stadium.

Elia, who joined Twente from ADO Den Haag in 2007 had attracted attention from La Liga side Valencia in the summer, but opted against a move to the Mestalla and revealed a desire to ply his trade in the Premiership one day. While, Douglas has been at the Dutch side since his transfer from Joinville EC also in 2007.

Spurs Keeper Plays Down Talk Of January Exit

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Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez has played down reports that he is set for a return to La Liga with Valencia, despite being aware that Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is keen to bring a goalkeeper to White Hart Lane when the transfer window opens in January.

Redknapp has concerns over Tottenham No1 Heurelho Gomes along with 37-year-old Cesar, who were both summer signings for the Premier League club. Despite Gomes making a series of high-profile errors since his switch from Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, Redknapp has still not given Cesar an opportunity to impress in the Premiership, with the former Spanish International’s only appearance for Spurs coming as a substitute in the Carling Cup against Liverpool.

Valencia are keen to bring the experienced Spaniard to the Mestalla in January, with current Los Che keeper Timo Hildebrand expected to leave the La Liga side in January.

Cesar’s agent Arturo Canales is understood to have already met with Valencia sporting director Fernando Gomes about a proposed return to Spain. However, Cesar has played down talk of a return to Spain, with the former Real Madrid shot-stopper insisting he is happy in the Premiership and did not wish to discuss the possibility of leaving White Hart Lane.

Cesar told Setanta.com: “I am in London, waiting to know what is going to happen.

“My mission is simple – work every day and then the coach takes his decisions.

“I have been told that Spurs are looking to sign a keeper in January, but we have not been told anything by the club yet.

“Personally I am happy with my Premier League experience but playing some minutes is also what I want.

“Returning to Spain? I am under contract with Spurs and do not wish to speak about rumours.”

Valencia Leading Liverpool & Barca In Chase For Brazilian Starlet?

Valencia, are leading the race ahead of Liverpool and La Liga rivals Barcelona to sign Brazilian starlet Keirrison, with Los Che opening talks with the young Brazilian’s management company, according to Sport.

19-year-old Keirrison currently plays for Brazilian club Coritiba and was a pivotal figure in the Coxa Branca winning the Campeanato Serie B last season and has shone in the top-flight of Brazilian football this season.

Keirrison has an incredible strike-rate for Coritiba, with the young forward scoring 54 goals in 100 appearances for the Brazilian side since making his senior debut in 2007 after coming through the youth system at the club.

Sport claim that Valencia are willing to pay £8million to bring Keirrison to the Mestalla and have opened talks with Traffic, who own 80% of the striker’s registration, with Coritiba owning the other 20%.

Keirrison is expected to leave Coritiba in January, with Valencia now appearing to lead Premier League club Liverpool and Barca in the chase for the highly rated youngster.

However, the 20% stake of Keirrison that Coritiba own is believed to be complicating the talks with Valencia, which could leave the door open for a move to the Nou Camp or Anfield.

La Liga Side To Make January Swoop For Spurs Keeper?

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La Liga side Valencia are keen to bring Tottenham Hotspur’s reserve goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez back to Spain when the transfer window reopens in January, according to reports.

37-year-old former Spanish International Cesar joined Spurs in the summer from Real Zaragoza to be understudy, to Brazilian Heurelho Gomes another summer signing from Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven.

However, despite being a Champions League winner with Real Madrid in 2002, Cesar has only made one substitute appearance for the Premiership side. Which was against Liverpool in the Carling Cup due to an injury to Gomes.

Gomes has made a series of high-profile errors since his arrival at White Hart Lane, but Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has stuck with the Brazilian and has resisted giving the experienced Spaniard a chance in the Premier League thus far.

Now reports are suggesting that Valencia are keen to bring back veteran Cesar to Spain to replace German International Timo Hildebrand at the Mestalla, with a January move for the Tottenham keeper being mooted.

Liverpool Boss Benitez: New Deal "Could Be" Resolved By The End Of The Month

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez refused to be drawn on how negotiations are going on a new deal at Anfield, but indicated that “it could be” resolved by the end of the month.

Former Valencia coach Benitez revealed recently that talks were due to get underway regarding an extension to his current deal at the Merseyside Club, which runs out in 2010.

However, when asked about how close the talks were to a conclusion and the possibility of a resolution by the end of November, Benitez insisted that his focus was on the Reds Champions League clash against Marseille on Wednesday at Anfield.

Benitez replied: “It could be, but I prefer to concentrate on this game.”

Benitez also revealed that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, will be fit to face Marseille after missing the Premier League match with Fulham on Saturday with a groin injury. Benitez also believed that England International Gerrard could start and might even play the full 90 minutes.

Benitez added: “Gerrard has trained today so he is available. I think he would be fit to last 90 minutes if he needed to.

”It depends on the player, but he is fit and he can start if necessary and after that, it depends on how he is feeling during the game.”

Hull, Man City, Blackburn & Everton Target Elia To Give "100%"

Young Dutch star Eljero Elia has claimed that he will continue to give “100%” for Eredivisie side FC Twente, despite reports linking the striker with a move to the Premier League in January, with Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Everton and Hull City all said to be interested in bringing Elia to England.

The Tigers along with the Toffees and Blackburn are believed to have watched 21-year-old Elia in former England manager Steve McClaren’s Twente side that played Man City in the UEFA Cup recently at the Eastlands Stadium.

Elia, who joined Twente from ADO Den Haag in 2007 had attracted attention from La Liga side Valencia in the summer, but opted against a move to the Mestalla and revealed a desire to ply his trade in the Premiership.

McClaren has used Elia on the wing this season, but the player can play as a secondary striker and has scored 6 goals in 43 appearances for the Reds. Elia still has more than two-years to run on his present deal at the Grolsh Veste, but it is understood that Twente will not stand in the players way should the Premier League beckon in January.

However, Elia insists that he will continue to concentrate on playing football for McLaren’s side, but concedes that he has “ambitions” like any other player.

“I allow my agent to handle all these things and I concentrate on football,” he told Sportweek.

“I will give 100% for FC Twente for as long as I play for them.

“Of course I have ambitions, like every other player, but while there is nothing concrete I cannot say anything about it.”

Hull, Everton, Blackburn & Man City In January Race For Elia?

Premier League debutantes Hull City along with Blackburn Rovers, Everton and Manchester City are set for a January race for the signature of Dutch Under-21 International Eljero Elia at Eredivisie side FC Twente, according to skysports.com.

The Tigers along with the Toffees and Blackburn are believed to have watched 21-year-old Elia in former England manager Steve McClaren’s Twente side that played Man City in the UEFA Cup last Thursday at the Eastlands Stadium.

Elia, who joined Twente from ADO Den Haag in 2007 had attracted attention from La Liga side Valencia in the summer, but opted against a move to the Mestalla and revealed a desire to ply his trade in the Premiership.

McClaren has used Elia on the wing this season, but the player can play as a secondary striker and has scored 6 goals in 43 appearances for the Reds. Elia still has more than two-years to run on his present deal at the Grolsh Veste, but it is understood that Twente will not stand in the players way should the Premier League beckon in January.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Reveals New Deal Talks

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that initial talks have started with American co-owner’s Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr over an extension to his current deal at Anfield.

Benitez is currently under contract at the Merseyside club until 2010, with the former Valencia coach, who has been at the Reds since 2004 insisting that he is intent on staying at Liverpool.

Hicks, is understood to have called the Spaniard to get the ball rolling, with talks with Benitez and his advisors scheduled to start within a week.

“I received a phone call from Tom Hicks on behalf of George Gillett also. They are talking about a meeting with my advisors and a contract extension. This is very positive news,” Benitez said.

“We decided to meet in the next week and now my advisors are in contact with them. We haven't spoken about the length of the contract but we talked and we all want to find a solution as soon as possible.

“For me it's easy. I want to stay here - I am where I want to be. It's very simple. My family and I know how good the fans have been with us. The club is going forward and we have the new stadium project. There are a lot of positive things.

“I want to stay here for a long time. Clearly I would like to be here when the new stadium opens. The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased."

“The team is in a very good position, so if I do not have to talk about my contract from now on it will be perfect.

“The last two or three press conferences I have been asked and asked, so the stability is really important. The owners know we are doing well. The atmosphere is really good, we are at the top of the league and our Champions League group. The team is playing well.”

Hicks and Gillett have also released a statement praising Benitez for his efforts and claiming that they are looking forward to extending his four-years at the Premier League.

A statement on behalf of Hicks and Gillett read: “Rafa continues to do a great job, we are really pleased with the progress of the team and we look forward to talking to him and his advisors about extending his contract.”

Arsenal & Liverpool Chasing Spanish International Albiol?

Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are both tracking Spanish International defender Raul Albiol of La Liga side Valencia, according to Spanish paper AS.

23-year-old Albiol can play either as a central-defender or a defensive midfielder and has come through the academy set-up at Los Che. After joining Valencia as a 11-year-old, Albiol made his senior debut for the Spanish side in 2005 and has made over 100 league appearances for Valencia during his time at the Mestalla.

Albiol gained his first cap for Spain in 2007 and was a member of their EURO 2008 winning team this summer, with the Spaniard’s performances for club and country attracting interest from the Gunners and the Merseyside club.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen the centre of his defence and midfield in light of recent results in the Premiership and has identified Albiol as a possible solution to the current problems at the Emirates Stadium. With a move for the Spaniard being mooted in January.

Former Valencia coach Rafa Benitez knows all about Albiol from his time in charge at the Mestalla and is reportedly keen to bring the versatile player to Anfield as he looks to try and secure his first Premier League title this year.

However, Albiol current deal at the Mestalla runs until 2011, with Valencia president Vicente Soriano keen to keep the player in La Liga and has already made moves to discuss a new deal with Albiol to ward off any potential suitors.