Here’s the latest European Transfer News including stories about Real Madrid and Liverpool holding talks on Xabi Alonso, Aston Villa bidding for Leeds player Fabian Delph, and Chelsea insisting Joe Cole is not for sale.
Real Madrid in talks with Liverpool about Alonso
Liverpool have confirmed they are in talks with Real Madrid over the proposed transfer of Xabi Alonso, with the Spain international welcoming the discussions over his future.
Alonso has been a long-term target of the La Liga giants, who have been restructuring their squad with a number of high-profile big-money signings throughout the summer.
Rafa Benitez was initially unwilling to part company with the talented midfielder, but his stance softened when the former Real Sociedad man handed in a written transfer request.
The Spanish giants have so far been unwilling to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the Euro 2008 winner, which is believed to be in the region of £30million.
Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with Madrid executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona on Sunday to discuss Alonso, with the Reds in the city for a friendly against Espanyol.
Continue talking
Purslow confirmed to Spanish newspaper ASthat he had spoken with Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached.
The Reds supremo admitted the meeting had been arranged by Benitez, with everyone at Anfield becoming frustrated with the ongoing press speculation over the possible switch.
He said: “This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking.
“Rafa arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense.
“Now, I have been impressed by Madrid and Jose Angel. They are friends and will remain so.”
Agreement
Alonso claimed he was unaware of the meeting but added: “It’s reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now.
“I decided a long time ago to stay on the margin of everything that was happening.
“My stance has been clear, as you all know. I’m a professional and I must wait for an agreement to be reached, but I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse.” – SkySports.com – http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5470387,00.html
Aston Villa to get Delph from Leeds
Sky Sports News understands that Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Leeds United for talented young midfielder Fabian Delph.
A number clubs had been credited with an interest in the highly-rated England Under 21 international following his impressive displays at Elland Road.
Whites boss Simon Grayson confirmed at the weekend that two bids from Premier League teams had been received, but both were rejected as they did not meet the League One club’s valuation.
Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton were believed to be monitoring his progress, but Villa now appear to have jumped to the head of the queue.
With an accord reached between the two clubs,Delph is now expected to travel to the Midlands to discuss personal terms with Martin O’Neill’s men.
O’Neill is determined to improve his squad ahead of the new season as he looks to build on last term’s sixth-placed finish. – SkySports.com – http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5470978,00.html
Chelsea says Joe Cole not for sale
Chelsea have insisted Joe Cole is not for sale after Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a bid for the midfielder.
Reports had claimed Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who gave Cole his first-team debut at West Ham a decade ago, was planning a £10million offer for the England international.
However, Chelsea have warned off any clubs interested in the 27-year-old by confirming they will not be listening to offers.
A statement from Chelsea read: “Contrary to media reports Chelsea is not, and will not be, considering any offers for Joe Cole.
“Our sole focus, as is Joe’s, is to complete his rehab and get him fit as soon as possible so that he can play a major part in the new season.”
Cole is currently working his way back to fitness after suffering a season-ending knee injury against Southend United in the FA Cup in January.
He met with a setback earlier in pre-season and is not expected to be ready for the opening Premier League game of the campaign on 15th August against Hull City.
Since joining Chelsea from West Ham six years ago, Cole has made almost 250 appearances for the club and scored 38 goals. – SkySports.com – http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5471204,00.html
