Written by Chris Royal.
As August 31st approaches, it seems as if the rumours surrounding Anfield continue. Dirk Kuyt is the latest high profile star who Inter Milan seem to have on their radar. Despite Inter Milan presidant Massimo Moratti apparently stating that Inter would not be making any bids for Liverpool players, it is looking like a Javier Mascherano situation all over again.
It is clear that Rafa Benitez is looking to add reinforcements to his squad, despite Inter’s impressive 3-1 win over Roma in the Italian Super Cup at the weekend and Kuyt is a Benitez type player. He would provide attacking as well as defensive qualities that Benitez likes in his players. However the stumbling block once agin will be a fee. Like with Mascherano, Inter believe that they can use Benitez’s influence to turn Kuyt’s head and pay a lower fee than the player is valued at. Like Mascherano, Hodgson will remain firm in his valuation of his key players and like Mascherano unless Hodgson gets an offer in the region of 15 million for Kuyt he will no be going anywhere.
As for Javier Mascherano it looks like his Anfield days are numbered. After refusing to play last night it seems he will be on the way out. Barcelona have submitted a bid of £12.2m with some suggesting the deal also includes former Arsenal player Alexander Hleb and defender Martin Caceres. But Liverpool are wanting £25m cash up-front with no players involved. Inter wont meet that valuation of the player and Hodgeson has already stated he would be prepared to lose Mascherano on a free in two years rather than sell him at a reduced fee.
In terms of possible new signing’s a striker is looking like the main area Roy is looking to strenghten. After seemingly missing out on Marseille bound Remy, Peter Crouch’s name keeps popping up, with Harry Redknapp looking desperate to add a forward to his side and no takers for Robbie Keane with the price tag on his head a bid from Liverpool for Crouch, a player who Hodgson tried to sign during his time at Fulham would not be suprising. Add to that the situation surround Crouch’s personal life, a move back up north, where Miss Abbey Clancy is from could well be a logical choice to repair his relationship. The rest of the Liverpool squad is taking shape and only if players do move on will Roy look to bring in alternatives.
