Latest News from Liverpool FC

Sunday 30 June 2013

News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Clubcall: French defender on Reds' radar

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Clubcall: French defender on Reds' radar
Jun 30th 2013, 12:33

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Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho has claimed both Liverpool and AC Milan are keen to sign him this summer.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is on the look out for a new central defender following Jamie Carragher's decision to retire at the end of the season and Sakho has emerged as a target.

The 23-year-old was behind Thiago Silva and Alex at the Parc des Princes last season and looks set to turn down the offer of a new deal in favour of a move away.

Sakho claims he has plenty of options, two of which are Liverpool and Milan, but will speak to new boss Laurent Blanc before making a decision on his future.

"I'll be able to talk with the new coach and see what he thinks," Sakho said. "I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future."

Source: Clubcall

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Metro: Ashley Williams latest

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Metro: Ashley Williams latest
Jun 30th 2013, 15:02

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Arsenal and Liverpool have been told they shouldn't expect to pay any less than £10million for Swansea defender Ashley Williams.

The Gunners and the Reds are believed to be trailing the 28-year-old Welshman, but are thought to be reluctant to meet Swansea's asking price.

However, Williams' team-mate Ben Davies, insists the mooted £10m fee is more than value for anyone looking to sign the centre-back.

'Last season I would say Ash was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, I cannot think of many who were better than him. The job he did was incredible,' Davies told reporters.

'A price of £10million or more to sign him is completely justified.

'You see some of the money that gets spent in this league on players who are unproven in the Premier League. I think £10million is more than a fair price.

'You could see last season how good he was for us and he would be a massive loss.

'At the moment he is still a Swansea player and hopefully that will stay the same, but if he does leave for another club we will have to adapt quickly.' 

Source: Metro.co.uk

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Mirror: Reds target Benteke

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Mirror: Reds target Benteke
Jun 30th 2013, 08:18

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Aston Villa are ­targeting Belgium ­player Nacer Chadli as a new way of trying to keep Christian Benteke.

Villa have joined a host of clubs chasing FC Twente winger Chadli, who only has a year left to run on his contract.

And Villa hope that if they could sign Chadli it may help convince ­Benteke to stay at least another year.

The 23-year-old scored 16 goals last season and has been a target for Fulham, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Brom in the last few months.

Although Chadli has played on the wing for Twente, Lambert wants a creative spark to play in the hole and would consider moving the 23-year-old inside.

Source: Mirror Online

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: InsideFutbol: Eriksen could be open to offers

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InsideFutbol: Eriksen could be open to offers
Jun 30th 2013, 08:21

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Ajax coach Frank de Boer has called on playmaker Christian Eriksen to snub interest in his services this summer and pen a new deal at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Eriksen's current contract with the Dutch champions expires next summer and, although he has promised not to leave the club for free in 12 months' time, he is looking at the offers which come his way in the current transfer window.

The Denmark international has been consistently linked with English giants Liverpool and Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund, while it recently emerged Barcelona are considering moving for him if Thiago Alcantara leaves the Camp Nou.

But no deal has been done yet and De Boer is still hoping for an extended Eriksen stay."A new contract for Eriksen? I hope so", the tactician told NUSport.

"He knows what we want, so it is up to Christian", De Boer added.

Eriksen helped Ajax to their third consecutive Eredivisie title last season, impressing along the way.

It remains to be seen if he will hang around to try to steer De Boer's men to a fourth. 

Source: InsideFutbol.com

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Goal: Sakho flattered by Reds' interest

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Goal: Sakho flattered by Reds' interest
Jun 30th 2013, 08:35

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Mamadou Sakho has revealed Liverpool and AC Milan are interested in his services and admits he is open to a summer move after growing disillusioned with life at Paris-Saint-Germain. 

The 23-year-old made 30 appearances for the club last season but often found himself out of favour, with Thiago Silva and Alex the first choice centre-back pairing of now former boss Carlo Ancelotti.

And though les Parisiens have offered the Frenchman a new contract, Sakho is considering leaving the club he joined as a youngster in a bid for more playing time.

"I have to make a decision, PSG is my club, I was born here and I learned my football here... I want to play for this club all my life, but it is clear that I do not want to sit on the bench," Sakho told reporters.

"I have not played as much as I would have liked last season because of the choices of the coach. Every player wants to play every week, too. There is an offer on the table."

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the defender, with Liverpool, Newcastle and AC Milan all in the running for his signature, and he revealed he will speak to coach Laurent Blanc before opening negotiations with interested parties.

"I'll be able to talk with the new coach and see what he thinks. I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future." 

Source: Goal.com

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: talkSPORT: Leeds starlet attracting interest

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talkSPORT: Leeds starlet attracting interest
Jun 30th 2013, 08:41

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Leeds United manager Brian McDermott insists that it would be in Sam Byram's best interests to remain at Elland Road rather than move to the Premier League.

The 19-year-old scooped a number of awards following an impressive campaign in the Championship, earning 44 first-team league appearances for the Whites last season.

His form and ability has attracted the interest of top flight sides Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton, but McDermott said young players should look to gain more experience at a lower level before seeking a move to the country's top teams.

"Sam needs to be playing games for us and developing his career with us in my opinion," McDermott told the Transfer Tavern. "He's right up there, he's got some real composure and he's a great lad.

"He has the mentality to go as far as he wants to go. He's not just a talent, he works his socks off and wants to get better. It's happened in the past when young lads have moved too early to big clubs and never get an opportunity to play.

"He played 44 games in the league for us last year, so I think the more games and experience he can get at our level and a club as big as ours then the better it is for us too.

"I think it's his ultimate ambition to be a Premier League player with Leeds United."

Source: talkSPORT

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: ESPN: PSG star confirms interest

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ESPN: PSG star confirms interest
Jun 30th 2013, 09:49

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Mamadou Sakho has revealed he has received an offer to leave PSG in the summer, confirming Liverpool and AC Milan's interest in him.

Sakho, 23, made 24 Ligue 1 appearances in PSG's title-winning campaign but predominantly played second fiddle to the experienced centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Alex at the Parc des Princes.

The defender has been offered a new contract by les Parisiens, but has not yet agreed to the deal as speculation over his future grows.

Incumbent PSG coach Laurent Blanc could hold the key to Sakho's future, although the Frenchman revealed he has been approached by a number of clubs.

"I'll be able to talk with the new coach and see what he thinks," Sakho said. "I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future.

"I have to make a decision. PSG is my club, I was born here and I learned my football here. I want to play for this club all my life, but it is clear that I do not want to sit on the bench.

"I have not played as much as I would have liked last sesaon because of the choices of the coach. Every player wants to play every week, too. There is an offer on the table."

Source: ESPN

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Saturday 29 June 2013

News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Sky Sports: Simon Kjaer transfer latest

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Sky Sports: Simon Kjaer transfer latest
Jun 29th 2013, 13:35

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Simon Kjaer has played down talk of a summer exit at Wolfsburg by claiming that he would consider a new contract.

The Denmark international has endured a tough time since joining the Bundesliga outfit in 2010, with a difference of opinion with coach Felix Magath leading him to spend the 2011/12 campaign on loan at Roma.

With Magath having since been replaced by Dieter Hecking, Kjaer returned to favour last term.

It has, however, been suggested that he could be on the move again when the transfer window re-opens as he has just 12 months left to run on his current contract and has seen Timm Klose drafted in from Nurnberg to bolster the defensive ranks at Wolfsburg.

Liverpool and Newcastle United have been credited with holding an interest in Kjaer in the recent past, but the 24-year-old centre-half says he would be happy to remain in Germany on fresh terms.

He told Ekstra Bladet: "It depends on our negotiations and how Wolfsburg see things.

"I certainly would be willing to sign. If they were to offer a new contract and could offer guarantees about playing an important part, it would be a possibility.

"Wolfsburg are a club who want to fight at the top of the table and have the resources to do that.

"The Bundesliga is a fantastic place to play football right now and it is not a bad place for me. I am happy to be at Wolfsburg and have declared that ever since the new coach was appointed." 

Source: Sky Sports

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Clubcall: Mourinho to swoop on Zouma deal

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Clubcall: Mourinho to swoop on Zouma deal
Jun 29th 2013, 10:39

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Chelsea have been handed the chance to sign Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma after Liverpool pulled out of the running.

The agent of the highly-rated youngster has revealed that the Anfield club have decided to turn their attentions elsewhere after looking as though they were front runners to secure his services.

Jose Mourinho could now be in prime position to convince the 18-year-old to put pen to paper and head to Stamford Bridge as he continues to try and bolster his squad.

The player's agent, David Venditelli, confirmed that the Blues are one of his client's preferred options but Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are also considering a move.

The west London outfit are looking to add fresh faces to the squad and have already drafted in Andre Shurrle from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Venditelli confirmed: "Kurt and Liverpool are finished." 

Source: Clubcall

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Mail: Stevie back in the swing of things

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Mail: Stevie back in the swing of things
Jun 29th 2013, 10:56

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As footballers across the country prepare for pre-season training, several Premier League stars took one final opportunity to hone their skills on the golf course.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hosted a charity tournament on behalf of his foundation and the midfielder was joined by Scott Parker, Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry on the Laranjal course at the Quinta do Lago resort in Portugal.

The players were joined by celebrities including DJ Spoony, Dan Walker and Max Rushden.

Gerrard set up his foundation two years ago in order to provide funding for a range of children's charitable organisations and projects. 

As a result, the foundation has been able to help a range of charities including Claire House, Fairbridge, Zoe's Place, Stick and Step, Irish Autism Action, Brainwave, Presfield, Peterhouse, Rare And after this latest to Quinta the foundation was able to donate to six Portuguese charities. 

Source: Daily Mail

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: InsideFutbol: Mkhitaryan fee agreed

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InsideFutbol: Mkhitaryan fee agreed
Jun 29th 2013, 11:02

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Henrikh Mkhitaryan could become a Liverpool player within the next three days.

Liverpool are thought to have agreed a fee of around €30m with Mkhitaryan's current club Shakhtar Donetsk, leaving only a medical to be conducted and a contract to be signed.

And with the Reds believed to have already done a great deal of the leg-work surrounding a deal for the Armenian, the contractual side of the deal is expected to be quickly nailed down.

Now, according to Russia Today, citing a source close to Shakhtar Donetsk, Mkhitaryan is set to officially become a Liverpool player within the next three days.

The midfielder starred for Shakhtar Donetsk last season, finishing as the Ukrainian Premier League's top scorer.

That form had also attracted other suitors in Anzhi Makhachkala, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur, but Mkhitaryan had long before set his heart on a switch to Anfield.

Mkhitaryan will forgo European football next season by joining Liverpool, who have missed out on any form of European competition for 2013/14; Mkhitaryan turned out in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk last season.

Source: InsideFutbol

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Mail: Spurs enter Mkhitaryan race

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Mail: Spurs enter Mkhitaryan race
Jun 29th 2013, 08:45

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Tottenham are poised to hijack Liverpool's £20million move for Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers looked to be pole position to land the talented attacking midfielder, but Spurs have now entered the race to land the Armenia international.

It is understood Mkhitaryan's advisors have held initial talks with Tottenham chiefs regarding a possible move to White Hart Lane next season.

Spurs are currently focused on completing a £17million move for Corinthians midfielder Paulinho, who is expected rubber-stamp his switch after Sunday's Confederations Cup final.

But once the Brazil international's move is over the line, Tottenham will look to make progress on other targets - with Mkhitaryan one of the options being considered.

Mkhitaryan is fast becoming one of the most sought after players in European football this summer.

Sportsmail revealed this week how Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund made a £19.5million offer for the 24-year-old.

But Shakthar insist they want at least £25million for the player, who has also interested Chelsea and Manchester City.

Spurs remain confident of a deal for David Villa and have shown interest in Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz, 27. 

Source: Daily Mail

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Express: LFC lead Callejon chase

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Express: LFC lead Callejon chase
Jun 29th 2013, 08:53

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Liverpool, Napoli, and Fiorentina are all in the hunt to sign Jose Callejon from Real Madrid, who looks set to leave following the departure of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea in the past weeks according to spanish publication Marca.

Callejon spent much of last season at another La Liga club, Espanyol, and was unable to establish a first team spot at Real Madrid. 

The possibility of the Spanish club signing Gareth Bale from Tottenham would push him even further back in the pecking order, and therefore Callejon is seeking a move to ensure playing time.

Real Madrid's recent signing of Isco from Malaga could be the final straw, as it could result on Callejon not getting into the team at all.

However new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to give more chances to reserve team players as he seeks to change the club's playing style, and this could change Callejon's eagerness to move.

Liverpool are rumoured to be favourites, with Callejón preferring a move to the Premier League over Serie A.

Rodgers has shown interest in La Liga already this transfer window, signing Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas from Sevilla and Celta Vigo respectively. 

Source: Daily Express

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Echo: Reds' new common sense 'keeper in profile

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Echo: Reds' new common sense 'keeper in profile
Jun 29th 2013, 09:00

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Football loves a cliché. And the received wisdom, apparently, tells us plenty about footballers. They're flash, image-conscious, vain, lacking an education. Egomaniacs and megalomaniacs all rolled into one.

Goalkeepers, meanwhile, are just maniacs. Irrational, illogical creatures who view their sport through a different set of eyes, forever no more than a dropped cross away from meltdown.

Simon Mignolet, obviously, never got the memo. On either count.

Liverpool's latest signing is something of a unique character. His game may be based on instinct, but Mignolet's has been a career built on thoughtfulness, common sense and rationality.

It was rationality that led him, aged 14, to abandon his hopes of a career as a passing, tough-tackling central midfielder.

It was common sense, and circumstance, which convinced him to become a goalkeeper.

At the time, he was playing youth football for Sint-Truiden, a small, provincial club. But whilst his abilities were fair, a lack of genuine pace meant he struggled to establish himself as a regular. In 2002, he was released.

The end of the line? It could have been. But Mignolet reacted in typically cerebral fashion. He went to his father, a former goalkeeper, for advice. Dad delivered. The family acquired a field, an overgrown patch of land owned by a local farmer, for Simon and older brother Wouter to practice on. The midfielder was given a pair of gloves.

"I was already training as a goalie because my dad said I might gain some pace over five metres with goalkeeping sessions," he remembers. "We played every day on that pitch. An old farmer couldn't look after it so my father asked to use it as a playground.

"My father had been a goalkeeper and he'd taught me a bit about it so I thought I'd give it a go.

"I didn't really know whether it was going to be a good choice or a bad one but I joined a small local team as a keeper and it turned out to be a really good decision. One year later it turned out that my old club wanted me again."

Back at Sint-Truiden, and with a physique suited to goalkeeping, Mignolet flourished.

Sint-Truiden, traditionally, live in the shadows of local rivals Genk, and have been something of a yo-yo club throughout the last 15 years or so.

Marc Wilmots, the current Belgian national team coach, began his career there before moving on, but he is an exception. Gifted players do not come around often where 'De Kanaries' are concerned.

Mignolet, though, was another. At 19 he was usurping Franck Boeckx as first-choice 'keeper, catching the eye with his commanding presence, his razor-sharp reflexes and his unflappable temperament.

The following season, 2007-08, saw them relegated from Belgium's top division. They were a poor side with a poor record, for whom having a good goalkeeper was simply not enough.

Mignolet's development, though, arguably benefited from his year out of the top-flight firing line. He shone as Sint-Truiden secured promotion at the first time of asking, even managing to get on the scoresheet, during a 5-1 win at Ronse in April 2009. His goal was a rebound, after his initial penalty had been saved.

Back in the top flight, Sint-Truiden were expected to struggle. However, with the best young goalkeeper in the country, the minnows shocked everyone. They finished the regular season fifth, then came in fourth during the newly-crafted 'playoff round', missing out on a Europa League place in a two-legged play-off against local rivals Genk.

For Mignolet, there was the Goalkeeper of the Year award, and interest from across Europe. PSV Eindhoven, Udinese and FC Twente all enquired, but Nico Vaesen, the former Birmingham goalkeeper, recommended the youngster to his old boss Steve Bruce, by now at Sunderland. A £2m deal was agreed, and Mignolet signed a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

His first season on Wearside was promising. Mignolet made 29 appearances in total, his displays enough to ensure £9m Craig Gordon remained sidelined.

His ascent continued the following year. Despite a horrific facial injury, sustained in a collision with Aston Villa's Emile Heskey, Mignolet made 39 appearances. His first game back after that injury was against Manchester City at the Stadium of Light. He kept a clean sheet.

Off the field, Mignolet's is not your average footballer's lifestyle. His girlfriend, Jasmien, is a law graduate, and Mignolet himself completed a degree in political science from the University of Leuven last summer. He is fluent in German, Dutch, English and French.

"When I started playing, my parents told me to go to university,' he says. "They just said choose wisely and find something you can combine with training.

"It was not because of an interest in politics. It was to have something behind me in case something went wrong."

Fortunately for the most expensive goalkeeper in Liverpool's history, very little has gone wrong in the last few years.

His move to Anfield is a daunting one, but if his ability matches his character - and those who know him think it does - then Mignolet, and Liverpool, will be in business.  

Source: Liverpool Echo

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Echo: Gremio's Biteco on Anfield radar

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Echo: Gremio's Biteco on Anfield radar
Jun 29th 2013, 08:05

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Liverpool FC are weighing up a move for highly-rated Gremio midfielder Matheus Biteco.

The 18-year-old is valued by the Brazilian club at around £5m, and caught the eye of Reds scouts at the recent Toulon U20 tournament.

Biteco is viewed as one for the future, rather than a player who could slot straight in at first-team level.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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Friday 28 June 2013

News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Sky Sports: Sakho to decide

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Sky Sports: Sakho to decide
Jun 28th 2013, 18:18

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Paris St Germain defender Mamadou Sakho admits he faces a big decision on his future, with a new contract offered as interest in his services mounts.

The 23-year-old has spent his entire career to date with his home-town club, having graduated out of their academy system.

The France international has, however, been a victim of an elaborate rebuilding project at Parc des Prince under PSG's ambitions owners.

He has not been figuring in the first team as often as he would like and concedes that he needs to be playing regularly.

Liverpool and AC Milan are among those reported to be keen on offering him the game time he craves, but PSG are also prepared to do all they can to keep the highly-rated centre-half in France.

Sakho said: "I have to take a decision. PSG are my club. I was born here and learnt my football here.

"I want to play for this club my entire life but it has to be clear that I don't want to sit on the bench.

"I did not play as much I like last season because of the manager's choices. Every player wants to play every week and I am no different.

"There is an offer on the table. With a new manager (Laurent Blanc), I can talk and see what he thinks.

"I am flattered to be linked with clubs of the history of Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future."

Source: Sky Sports

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News Media Watch from Liverpool FC: Express: Jackson Martinez latest

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Express: Jackson Martinez latest
Jun 28th 2013, 15:17

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Porto striker Jackson Martinez is said to be in talks to sign a new contract with the Portuguese club, possibly signalling the end of Liverpool and Tottenham's hunt for the Columbian forward.

Both clubs had shown interest in the 26-year-old forward, who's impressive 26 goals in 30 league appearances had drawn speculation of a move elsewhere.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola spoke to the players agent, Luis Manuel Manso, who claimed his client was in talks with Porto over signing a new contract.

However, he claimed that he did not want to "turn Jackson into an inaccessible player", but that "We want to renew his contract but keep more or less the same conditions. I don't know for how many more years, we will only know after we all talk."

Source: Daily Express

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