The OFFICIAL Liverpool Supporters thread

[brokencrossbar1]

According to a few sources on other boards the Silva deal is more or less a done thing, but it could be just gossip stuff.  I would like to see someone like him, but I also think that Barry can offer a balance that others might not.  I don't know what would be more preferable, a proven Premiership quality player who fits into the system but is somewhat limited in overall skill or a better player, who is more skillful and may come a few million cheaper. 

The following article from Guillem Balague gives a decent insight.  He is normally pretty close to the mark and has an ongoing relationship with the Spanish connection at Anfield.  I would tend to give his word a lot of credence.

Liverpool have not given up on Barry


The Gareth Barry saga is not yet finished. I think Liverpool will have one final attempt at poaching the Aston Villa midfielder, and it is not necessarily linked to Xabi Alonso leaving Anfield.


According to some calculations within the club, Rafa Benitez has sold for a value close to £50 million; and he has spent around £28 million. That leaves something like £22 million available for further signings:  without him being forced to sell Xabi. Furthermore, it looks like the club - either Rafa or, most likely, individuals on the board - seem determined not to sell the Spanish midfielder. That could be for a number of reasons: either the bids from Juve and Arsenal, who offered £12 million pounds, were considered not to be enough; or someone at Liverpool believes the player is needed in the team. Has that footballing decision been taken by the board or the manager? That is a very interesting question.


The fact of the matter is, Liverpool need to fill a big hole on the left hand side: a hole that Barry could fill.


In attack, the full backs will take charge of the wing and the players used on the left of midfield will have to use space in the centre - and Barry would excel in that role. Liverpool also need English players as, year after year, clubs will be forced to reduce the number on non-nationals.

Nobody knows if Gareth Barry will end up at Anfield, but you can be sure the manager will do his best to get him

If he is to be believed then there is a kitty of in the region of £22m.  Liverpool seem to be doing to Villa what Madrid did to Liverpool over Owen.  They will test Villa to see how low they can go and how much they need to sell.  I think they will pick him up for £15m and Finnan.  If that is the case there is about £6m left.  If they were to sell Pennant and Vorinin they could pick up close to £9m.  This plus the £6m would go a long way to buying Silva.  But that could just be wishful thinking.

[Carmen Stateside]

I see Liverpool have been linked to a move for an unhappy Joe Cole!  Imo this would make more sense, hes a player that can play three positions aswell

[The Real Laoislad]

I see Liverpool have been linked to a move for an unhappy Joe Cole!  Imo this would make more sense, hes a player that can play three positions aswell

Where'd you hear this?

[Carmen Stateside]

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-1043689/Coles-Chelsea-future-doubt-Benitez-lies-wait.html?ITO=1490

[The Real Laoislad]

I'd be very happy to see Joe Cole come to Liverpool

[Carmen Stateside]

Would love it myself but cant see Chelsea selling to Liverpool!

[Mentalman]

I see Liverpool have been linked to a move for an unhappy Joe Cole!  Imo this would make more sense, hes a player that can play three positions aswell

It would a great move, he's a guy who hasn't shown his full potential this past year and has bags of ability and attitude, but I cannot see it happening unfotunately.

[brokencrossbar1]

Villa are also linked to Cole.  Chelsea will not sell to Liverpool.  The big 4 do not exchange players at all.  Liverpool could be sniffing to pressurise Villa to sort out the Barry deal. 

[Hound]

Will Degen be a regular in the defence this season, or will he be another victim of Benitez's rotation policy

I doubt it. Even from the limited bit I've seen of him, I think its pretty clear that he's not as good a defender as Arbeloa (he came with a reputation as being dodgy defensively and in the one half he played at right back, he was badly at fault once and overall didnt look great), though he's better going forward - certainly he has pace and likes to charge forward (as he proved in his first appearance for Liverpool when he played more as a right winger), not sure about his delivery from wide.

My guess is he'll be used more often as a sub than a starter. But he will start a fair few games against some of the crappy teams.

[GalwayBayBoy]

Silva's agent has come out and said that Man U made a bid for him but that he doesn't want to leave Spain.

[The Real Laoislad]

Will Degen be a regular in the defence this season, or will he be another victim of Benitez's rotation policy

I doubt it. Even from the limited bit I've seen of him, I think its pretty clear that he's not as good a defender as Arbeloa (he came with a reputation as being dodgy defensively and in the one half he played at right back, he was badly at fault once and overall didnt look great), though he's better going forward - certainly he has pace and likes to charge forward (as he proved in his first appearance for Liverpool when he played more as a right winger), not sure about his delivery from wide.

My guess is he'll be used more often as a sub than a starter. But he will start a fair few games against some of the crappy teams.

Is that even possible?

[Hound]

Will Degen be a regular in the defence this season, or will he be another victim of Benitez's rotation policy

I doubt it. Even from the limited bit I've seen of him, I think its pretty clear that he's not as good a defender as Arbeloa (he came with a reputation as being dodgy defensively and in the one half he played at right back, he was badly at fault once and overall didnt look great), though he's better going forward - certainly he has pace and likes to charge forward (as he proved in his first appearance for Liverpool when he played more as a right winger), not sure about his delivery from wide.

My guess is he'll be used more often as a sub than a starter. But he will start a fair few games against some of the crappy teams.

Is that even possible?

I doubt there's a defender that ever did as good a man marking job on Messi as Arbeloa did for Liverpool v Barca. In his pocket for both legs. Perhaps you missed the games?

Certainly last season wasn't his best with injuries and the centre back experiment back-firing.  But now that he'll be settled into his best position at right back, you'll see a much improved player. If your opinion on him was anywhere near correct, he would not be in the Spanish squad.

[stevo-08]

I doubt there's a defender that ever did as good a man marking job on Messi as Arbeloa did for Liverpool v Barca. In his pocket for both legs. Perhaps you missed the games?

Certainly last season wasn't his best with injuries and the centre back experiment back-firing.  But now that he'll be settled into his best position at right back, you'll see a much improved player. If your opinion on him was anywhere near correct, he would not be in the Spanish squad.

And dont forget he was asked to play as left back in those games which is not his natural side. Also he had only played a handful of games for 'Pool before that. An incredible performance really. I think he's a solid enough defender and will be the regular right back in the side this year. Im delighted & relieved that the stories about him leaving have all died down.

On another note, I am completely fed up with the on-off-on-off Barry saga. Looking forward to the end of the transfer window to be honest, so the whole affair can be laid to rest one way or another.

[under the bar]

Is it true that Barry is in the finalk year of his contract and can sign a pre-agreement in January to come to Liverpool on a free transfer??  Livepool mate in work swears it's true!

[stevo-08]

nope definitely 2 years left. even martin o'neill wouldnt be stupid enough to turn down 15m-17m or whatever it was for a player entering his last year. could get him a bit cheaper in january, cheaper again next summer and sign him for free in Jan 2010.