Gomez interest confirmed

Today Glen Johnson again is linked with a move away from Liverpool. This time it is Real Madrid that apparently is interested in the defender.

He is back on Real Madrid's radar after details emerged of a bust-up between Jose Mourinho and his vice-captain Sergio Ramos, The Daily Mail reports.

Reported Liverpool target Mario Gomez' agent says he expects interest in the January transfer window.

Sport.co.uk understands that the Bayern Munich forward is attracting interest from top European clubs ahead of the January transfer window with the player’s representative expecting enquiries for the striker.

Gomez, 25, is being tracked by Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus following a difficult start to the Bundesliga campaign with Bayern Munchen having onlu recently broken into the first-team following an injury to Miroslav Klose.

The German international is highly regarded as one of Europe’s most prolific marksman following his 35 million euro move from Stuttgart to Bayern Munich in 2009.

Despite recently being given more game time by boss Louis van Gaal Gomez is being monitored closely by the aforementioned trio, but despite interest there has been no formal offers. However the player’s agent does intimate that it is still early to talk about transfer gossip.

Oliver Mintzlaff told Sport.co.uk:

- Mario Gomez is one of the best strikers in Europe, the best German striker, and the best in the Bundesliga. There is no concrete interest, but it is early, we expect interest. But even with Mario at the moment, it is quiet.

Reported Liverpool and Arsenal target Karim Benzema is now also on the radar of Juventus.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport the Italian giants will attempt to sign the Real Madrid striker on loan for the rest of the season in what would represent a blow to his Premier League suitors.

The 22-year-old joined Real from Lyon for around £30 million in 2009 but failed to live up to expectations during his first season at the Bernabeu.

His poor form had led to growing speculation that he would soon leave Spain and, despite a recent turnaround in fortunes for the France international in Madrid, it has been claimed he could still leave Los Blancos should their demands be met.

Liverpool and Arsenal are said to both be monitoring the Frenchman with a view to making a move in January and Real are reportedly willing to accept offers of around £15 million for his services.

But - along with Juventus - Liverpool will allegedly have to battle with with Arsenal in the race for Benzema after Mediaset reported he is the north London club's 'no.1 target'.

David Bentley looks likely to end his nightmare stay at Spurs in January, and is hopeful of securing a move to Liverpool after reports of interest from manager Roy Hodgson, according to Metro.

Bentley, who is still just 26, wants to leave White Hart Lane after falling out of favour with Harry Redknapp in a bid to reignite his flailing career.

And the former Blackburn and Arsenal star has identified Anfield as his first-choice destination amid speculation that Hodgson is considering a bid in the region of £5million to take him to Merseyside.

Bentley has shown flashes of his talent since making the move back to London from Ewood Park in a 2008 deal thought to be in the region of £17million.

However, he has failed to justify his price tag and remains on the fringes of the first team behind several of the club's other creative stars including Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon and new signing Rafael van der Vaart.

Hodgson is desperate to add a specialist winger to his squad and believes for the price he is expected to command during the transfer window, Bentley represents a bargain.

The former England international has started just one Premier League game all season, and his exorbitant wages at Spurs mean the former Fulham manager believes he can play hardball in negotiations over the player's transfer value.

According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool, along with Stoke, Fulham and Aston Villa are queueing up to sign Manchester City left back Wayne Bridge.

The former England international is not part of Roberto Mancini’s first team plans after he bought Aleksandar Kolarov for £19million from Lazio in the summer and is expected to leave Eastlands in January. 

Stoke are said to be leading the way for the 30 year old as Potters boss Tony Pulis is believed to be lining up a loan bid in the New Year. 

Bridge has two years left on a £70,000 per week contract, after joining from Chelsea in January 2009.

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Rennes right-back Rod Fanni have been given a boost, Imscouting reports.

The news is that a proposed move to Marseille looks likely to fall through.

Fanni is one of the best right-backs in the French top division and has forced his way into the French national team over the past couple of years, making five appearances for them so far.

The attacking-minded defender has been watched closely by Liverpool of late, with Roy Hodgson travelling to France to watch him play against Auxerre last month.  With Hodgson having had a public disagreement with Glen Johnson recently, speculation increased over Fanni's arrival at Liverpool.

However, Marseille have also been linked with Fanni for some time and indicated a few days ago that they expected to tie up a deal for the 29-year-old.

Now, the French champions have revealed that they have been unable to push through a deal for Fanni, leaving the door open for Liverpool.

Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier told RMC:

- Today we can only be pessimistic, Fanni's agent is being irrational and it is doubtful a deal will now be done. I can't see any way it could be completed, except if the player decides to manage himself in a reasonable way.

A name that comes back on to the transfer radar of Roy Hodgson today is Benfica winger Fabio Coentrao.

He was a reported target under Benitez, but now it seems he is back, with GiveMeFootball today reporting on a potential bidding war between several clubs.

Manchester United is a new club in the race for the player that has been monitored by some of Europe's elite in recent seasons.

AC Milan have reportedly earmarked the versatile left sided player, who can play in defence or midfield, as a potential successor to Paolo Maldini, and are poised to move for the player.

This news could spur Manchester United into showing their transfer hand, with the Old Trafford club still keeping an eye on the situation.

Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus are, like Manchester United, also thought to be keen on the player, whilst Liverpool have long been admirers of the players ability.

Hodgson is keen to strengthen his squad, and with question marks over the form of Paul Konchesky, Liverpool could make their move in January. They are the outsiders, though, it is reported.

Another transfer target Liverpool apparently also have to fight against Manchester United to get is Valencia winger Joaquin.

TalkSPORT suggests the Spain international - also a reported target for Liverpool - could be tempted to leave Valencia for Manchester.

Sir Alex Ferguson is allegedly a keen admirer of the 29-year-old and has apparently identified him as the man to replace the injured Antonio Valencia at Manchester United.

However, the Manchester United boss will reportedly have to fight with Liverpool for his signature as Roy Hodgson looks to add more cutting edge to his side in January.

A transfer battle between Manchester United and Liverpool would make for fascinating viewing for the neutrals as each side looks to improve their respective squads.

The Liverpool boss has admitted that his side rely too heavily on the goalscoring talents of Anfield hero Fernando Torres and, hence, is understood to have identified his attacking department as the most in need of reinforcement.

Ashley Young back on the radar

Today three of Liverpool first team players has been linked with a move away from Merseyside. 

According to The Daily Mail Juventus are lining up a triple raid with approach for Alberto Aquilani, Glen Johnson and Daniel Agger.

An earlier strongly linked player however is back on the radar...

Todays biggest transfer rumour is regarding Ashley Young who Liverpool are hoping to bring in during the January transfer window, if you believe a report in The Mirror today.

Hodgson and transfer negotiator Damien Comolli are working on the ambitious project and hope to seal a deal worth £15m for the England winger in January, the paper say.

Villa will want a big fee for Young but Liverpool sources are quietly confident they can come to an agreement on price, especially if the player indicates that he fancies the move.

Also sources on the Koptalk Insider say there is contact with the player.

 

- His (Young) agent was in regular contact with Christian [Purslow] and Damien [Comolli] believes he could be snapped up for much less than Aston Villa are asking. Continuation here is the key. But I would expect a formal offer will go in very soon if nothing has changed since they last spoke, the Koptalk source said.

The most exciting rumour of this week seems not to go through. Ronaldinho has gone out playing down the talk of a rumoured move to Liverpool.

It was reported earlier in the week in the Italian press that the out-of-favour striker was seeking a move to pastures new with Roy Hodgson one of a number of potential suitors.

Nevertheless, despite playing second fiddle to compatriots Pato, Robinho and Swedish hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 30-year-old insists that the Rossoneri’s Serie A table-topping form was reason enough for him to focus on life under Massimiliano Allegri, Sport.co.uk reports

Speaking to the press after Milan’s 2-0 home defeat to Ajax last night, Ronaldinho was coy on the transfer rumours:

- I am tranquil in terms of staying. It's an important season and we are top of Serie A for the first time since my arrival here.

- I want to put Allegri in difficulty when he plays me. It was not easy against Ajax as I was playing as a striker, but I was better in the second half.

Yesterday it was reported that Marseille have been trying to finalise a deal to sign Rennes full-back Rod Fanni, who also have been linked with Liverpool.

Sky Sports now report that Marseille chairman Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed they are set to step up their interest.

It is thought the Mediterranean outfit would have to pay about €4million (£3.36m) to sign Fanni, who is under contract with Rennes until June 2012.
Talks

And the two clubs seem to have reached an agreement as Marseille are preparing to begin negotiations over personal terms with the former Lens and Nice player.

Liverpool linked Connor Wickham will not come cheaply. Ipswich boss Roy Keane has warned Liverpool they will have to offer big money, after comparing the teenager to Wayne Rooney.

Wickham, 17, is the Tractor Boys' youngest-ever player and a target for the Reds, who are ready to swoop in January, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

Keane said:

- There aren't many Connor Wickhams around. You've got to be careful not to get blasé about Connor and say "we'll take £7m or £8m for him", The Daily Mail reports.

- I have a certain figure in my head that we'd have to consider. I think Connor and his agent would have that as well.

- Whether that's Tottenham or Liverpool or whoever, but United had to buy Rooney for £28m when he was 18.

According to Live4Liverpool German newspaper BILD is reporting that PSV striker Ola Toivonen is not ready to leave the Dutch club in January.

The Swedish international has been linked with Liverpool in recent months.

BILD reports that despite also being linked with Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg, Toivonen is willing to remain at PSV for the rest of the season, ruling out a move to the Reds as the Merseyside club look to bolster their frontline in the January transfer window.

Both manager Roy Hodgson and assistant Sammy Lee have been said to have made personal checks on Toivonen this season with Roy confirming that the 24 year old came under consideration in August.

American Clint Dempsey, linked with Liverpool and Wolfsburg, has dismissed speculation with a switch from Fulham.

Steve McClaren's Wolfsburg are not having the best of runs in the Bundesliga and are also thought to be trailing the Texan.

However, Dempsey's agent Lyle Yorks claims the mooted interest from these two clubs is mere speculation, although he did reveal a number of sides are trailing the Cottagers star.

- Some of it is just reports and some of it is accurate, Yorks told MLSsoccer.com.

- There's interest in Clint, but there are no discussions right now.

On the Liverpool and Wolfsburg links, he added:

- These two are just reports at this point.

Also today a new name appears on the Liverpool transfer radar.

Roy Hodgson is said to be closely following the movements of FC Twente’s Theo Janssen according to Metro.

The midfielder is known as a free-kick specialist with an amazing left foot. He was propelled into the limelight this season with some impressive displays against Tottenham in the Champions League.

The 29-year-old is reported to have been on Hodgson’s radar for the past four months, and has a £3m release clause in his contract. However, the release clause does not come into effect until the summer.

- Nobody has spoken to me and if they did, FC Twente can ask what it wants for him, said club president, Joop Munsterman.

The effect of the clause could obviously force Hodgson to pay over the odds to get his man early in January. However, with the clause looming and without a contract renewal, it could force Twente to accept as little as £5million in the new year.

Scottish champions Rangers have also expressed an interest in the player, but should Liverpool make a move they would surely be favorites to land the Dutchman’s signature.

Fanni deal almost done?

As there is just over 20 days left until the January transfer window opens, the rumour mill is getting hotter by the hour.

Today some really exciting rumours has occured on the radar...

Highly rumoured Marseill right back Rod Fanni could be the first player through the Shankly Gates come next month.

According to The Daily Mail Liverpool hope to complete a £3m deal within the nex 48 hours.

Marseille also want the 29-year-old after losing Spain Under 21 international Cesar Azpilicueta for the rest of the season, but Rennes - third in the French league - would rather sell Fanni abroad than strengthen a team who are one place and one point behind them.
Reliable French newspaper L’Equipe reports that Liverpool are very keen on Fanni and Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi said:

- A decision will be made within 48 hours.

A player that has not been on the Liverpool radar since april 2008 is Brazilian, some might say fading ace, Ronaldinho.

Reports originating from Italy now claim that Liverpool are trying to take the 30-year-old Brazilian ace to Anfield, according to Sport.co.uk.

The Brazilian international has been a peripheral figure at the San Siro this season with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pato and Robinho all preferred by coach Massimiliano Allegri.

A star of Frank Rijkaard’s spell in charge at Barcelona, Ronaldinho signed on in Serie A in 2008 but has failed to find the form which saw him crowned World Player of the Year in both 2004 and 2005.

A mercurial figure with the ball at his feet, the samba star is still regarded as one of the most talented creative players in the game and could be open to a move to England after coming close to sealing a deal with Manchester United in 2003.

The Brazilian is understood to currently earn in excess of £6 million a season, a figure which would no doubt make new owners NESV baulk.

Another exciting development is that Spain striker Fernando Llorente seems to be back in the rumour fold.

Liverpool have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of Spurs transfer target Fernando Llorente in January, Metro reports.

Buoyed by the club's upturn in fortunes of late, new Reds ownership group NESV are set to put their full weight behind Roy Hodgson by bringing in significant reinforcements to bolster the squad.

And although Liverpool have recently been linked to some bargain signings as the manager looks to bring in some new faces - the latest name is a Spanish international and World Cup winner who could form a formidable partnership with Fernando Torres.

Fernando Llorente, 25, could be sold by Athletic Bilbao in the January transfer window, given the club's well-publicised financial problems.

It is thought Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has already made enquiries about the player, but Llorente would be more tempted by an offer from Merseyside, given the presence of international team-mate Torres.

An asking price in the region of £16million could be a stumbling block for the Reds, whose new owners are trying to remain frugal.

Today's new name is Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic, who reporteldy has caught the red eye.

The Slovenian international has caught the eye of a number of Europe’s top clubs with six goals in 13 goals for the Serie A so far this season.

Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool is now reportedly are ready to step up their pursuit of the 22-year-old, TotalFootballMadness writes.

It is however said that German giants Bayern Munich will be Liverpool’s main rivals for the signature of the €2.5 million playmaker who – like Anfield hero Steven Gerrard – is famed for his long-range shooting ability.

A deal for Ilicic would serve as further proof that Liverpool owners NESV plan to bring young talent to Anfield in their quest to build a squad for the future.

A player that also earlier has been linked with a move to Merseyside is West Hams midfielder Scott Parker.

Now Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in a raid on the London club for the signature of Parker, according to Footylatest.

The fact that Parker has extended his contract at West Ham seems to make no difference to the Liverpool and Tottenham bosses and who can blame them with West Ham looking Championship bound they have probably figured that the West Ham owners will try and cash in on Parker as soon as they can.

West Ham though have apparently slapped a £20 Million price tag on Parker and it is hard to see how Liverpool can pay that sort of cash out even if the new owners are making funds available, Tottenham can afford it, that is not open to debate, but Liverpool is very questionable.

Liverpool in Fanni talks?

Roy Hodgson has insisted Liverpool won't buy players in panic in the January transfer window.

He is though keen to add new players to his squad, but not wholesale changes. But there is little doubt there will come some changes, and it seems some changes allready are in the making...

According to RMC in France, Liverpool are chasing Rennes full back Rod Fanni.

The Reds’ Director of Football Strategy Damien Comolli is said to have held talks with Rennes president Pierre Dreossi over a possible move for the full back to Anfield.

French Ligue One leaders Marseille have also been said to be interested in the player  but have been put off by Rennes’ asking price for the player.

29 year old right back Fanni, who has also been linked with Everton and West Ham in the past, has played 103 league games since joining from Nice in 2007.

Another deal that seems one of the more likely is that of Niko Kranjcar from Tottenham.

And according to Sportingo Liverpool lead Everton in transfer race for the Croatia internationa.

The Croatia international joined Spurs less than 18 months ago from Portsmouth but has found appearances limited this season thanks to the form of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon.

Harry Redknapp is allowing him to leave in the New Year out of respect for a player he deeply admires and the two big clubs on Merseyside are both keen to take him on.

Everton were the first to make a move but are only interested in a loan deal at this stage of the season due to a lack of funds. If he is still in London next summer then the Toffees are likely to return with a firm offer.

However, Liverpool want Kranjcar now as they bid to strengthen their playmaking options and are expected to bid around £4m in January to pip their local rivals to the post.

Rumour has it that Liverpool are after Newcastle United centre-back Steven Taylor, together with city neighbour Everton.

The former England under 21 captains contract is due to expire in the summer and he is becoming frustrated with the lack of negotiations to re-new it, FootballTransferTavern reports.

Something which will be further highlighted by the sacking of first team boss Chris Hughton.

The news of Liverpool and Everton’s interest will only work in his favour when he does finally sit down with club officials. Roy Hodgson is said to be a long-term admirer of Taylor and would be more than prepared to part with his £2 million valuation to make him a Liverpool player, as he looks to sturdy up a somewhat questionable back line.

News of Taylors agent Paul Stretford visiting the United training ground to re-open discussions , are likely to move the Mersey clubs interest along and if there is still a stumbling block over the increase of his £40,000 a week salary both will be ready to pounce come January

One new name on the radar is Ipswich striker Connor Wickham.

The 17-year-old has been earmarked as a future England great and is being monitored my a number of Premier League clubs as he continues to make great strides in the second tier of English football.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool will attempt to test Ipswich's resolve by offering £10m for the teenager as the Reds' owners look to build a squad for the future at Anfield.

Wickham is understood to be a Liverpool fan - citing Fernando Torres as his hero - so is thought to be keen on a switch to Anfield should the opportunity arise.

A deal for Wickham would represent a significant coup for Liverpool and serve as evidence of New England Sports Ventures fulfilling their promise of bringing exceptional young talent to Anfield.

Another report though says Wickham favours Arsenal or Tottenham.

Another striker on the monitor this monday is Fulham's attacker Clint Dempsey. A report from Caughtoffside says Hodgson is keen to lure him from his old club in January.

The former Craven Cottage boss has earmarked a move for the American and the poor start to the season under new boss Mark Hughes may lead the 27 year old to consider a move away from the west London side, the site claims.

The £10m rated Texan can play in a number of positions in the final third and now in his fifth season in the Premier League he has shown what he is capable of and arguably has outgrown the Cottagers.

A not very likely rumour to go through, if you're asking Murphy...

When it comes to another reported target - Wigan Athletic winger Charles N'Zogbia, Hodgson reportedly has been on a scouting mission.

Hodgson was at the DW on Saturday to make a personal check on the France winger. N'Zogbia emerged from the 2-2 draw as man-of-the-match.

Also on show for Hodgson was Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross, another in Liverpool's sights, TribalFootball reports.

Spanish star being priced out?

After that sobering defeat to Stoke at the weekend once again there is speculations regarding Roy Hodgsons future as Liverpool manager.

And once again the Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard is linked with the managerial post.

According to GiveMeFootball the odds have dramatically been shortened on Rijkaard becoming the new man at the Liverpool helm.  

Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink are also thought to be in contention, while Liverpool fans’ favourite Kenny Dalglish is a 12/1 shot with SkyBet. 

But regardless of who is the Liverpool manager in january, there will be money available for a star player, if the price is right...

In addition, Hodgson may possibly get money from the sale of Dani Pacheco, who wants out and from Alberto Aquilani who wants a permanent move to Juventus. And he would be willing to take Glen Johnson with him to Italy.

This is money Hodgson probably would need if the following player is on Hodgsons wish list in January;

Athletic Bilbao has slapped a price tag on reported Liverpool target Fernando Llorente. 

Liverpool will have to cough up a massive €63million if they are to land the Spanish, TalkSport reports.

Damien Camolli has been told that the club's owners New England Sports Ventures would make money available for a world class signing in the transfer window.

But their chances of landing the 6ft 5in Spanish international now seem remote after the La Liga club revealed they have increased the his buy-out clause from €36m to an eye-watering €63m.

Real Madrid are also keen on the big striker, but even they seem unlikely to meet that whopping asking price.

A new name poping up is French right-back Rod Fanni.

According to The Mirror Roy Hodgson eyes up the player as Glen Johnson's replacement.

Hodgson flew to watch the Rennes defender against Auxerre on Sunday and is poised to make a bargain offer of around £3m in the New Year window.

Fanni, 29 next month, is one of the most respected right backs in his homeland and has won five caps for France.

He has been close to coming to the Premier League before when Newcastle, Sunderland and Everton tried for him.

Another reported Liverpool target is PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Afellay.

PSV Eindhoven have now confirmed they have agreed a deal with Barcelona for the January transfer of highly-rated midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, TeamTalk writes.

Afellay announced last month he would not be signing a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season with PSV.

A number of clubs, including the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal were linked with the Holland international, but Barcelona have won the race for the 24-year-old's signature.