Oliver Kay
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Liverpool expect to complete the signing of Fernando Torres from Atlético Madrid within days, but even that £20 million-plus record deal may not be the most striking of the summer at Anfield if Rafael BenÍtez succeeds with an improbable bid to prise Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United.
No established player has moved directly between the North West rivals since Phil Chisnall joined Liverpool in 1964, but the manager intends to change that, having identified Heinze, who is out of favour at Old Trafford, as a leading contender to reinforce his defence.
The Argentinian, who is playing for his country in the Copa America, was thought to be close to moving to a club in Spain, but Liverpool are understood to have made preliminary inquiries about his availability.
Potential suitors may not be required to negotiate directly with United as the 29-year-old can be bought out of his contract for approximately £6 million under new Fifa regulations. But, while a deal for Heinze remains a long shot, the arrival of Torres, one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, is imminent, with Liverpool understood to have negotiated a fee below Atlético’s asking price.
There were reports in Spain last night that Manchester City – flushed with cash after the takeover by Thaksin Shinawatra – had outbid Liverpool for Torres. Those claims were not confirmed by City, but the 23-year-old is determined to move to Merseyside and hopes to sign as soon as he returns from holiday next week.
The structure of the deal is unclear, but Liverpool, after some haggling, expect to pay less than the £27 million stated in the player’s contract, which in any case only applies to Spanish clubs. If Luis GarcÍa, valued at £4 million, moves in the opposite direction as part of the deal, Liverpool may end up paying Atlético little more than £20 million.
Torres will hope to make more of a lasting impact at Anfield than Djibril Cissé, who at £14.2 million remains Liverpool’s record signing, but the France forward has indirectly helped to smooth the Spaniard’s move to Merseyside, with his £6.1 million switch to Marseilles close to completion last night. Craig Bellamy, the Wales forward, is another who is likely to be sold.
BenÍtez would not comment on Torres beyond saying that “he is one of the players we have looked at”, but, having previously questioned the club’s board – and implicitly the American co-owners, George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks – over a lack of urgency in the transfer market, his mood was improved.
Liverpool are also hopeful of signing a winger shortly, but it is unlikely to be Florent Malouda, of Lyons, who disappointed BenÍtez by suggesting that he would be equally happy to join Arsenal or Chelsea.
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Why would Chelsea sign Malouda when they have so much depth at left wing? Malouda would be better off at Liverpool, that would make Liverpool the team to beat for the title.
Jose, Los Angeles, US
Why would Gabby even consider moving down the East Lancs? Get a life scousers - it'll never happen.
John Smith, Manchester,
I can not believe some of the comments on here, are u guys real? You can't possibly mean for real that you want that manc, he isn't even good enough for the manc team, and he is 29, and most importantly; HE'S A MANC. We don't buy players form that side, if he sign for Liverpool i think I have lost most of my respect for Benitez, he just can't do this to us
Lex, Skien, Norway
Gabby's a red legend and should def not be sold to pool..nor anyone else
Jim, Galway,
I know Rafa have money, but don't throw it down the drain like that. If we have to buy players from the rivals, I'd rather take Bridge, Shorey, Clichy anytime of the day. Heinze? Thanks! Keep it to the Mancs.
Joe, Chester, UK
Or buying a bench-warmer material aka Heinze just to lure the compatroit Tevez? OK, then Rafa, spend that 6 million I just don't mind now.
Joe, Chester, UK
There aren't many United players I would have in our side. Heinze is probably one of them though. Tough tackling, gets forward and can cross a ball.
I think Fergie will put the stoppers on it myself, but it could be interesting to see if Heinze is prepared to test the new rule out and join his countryman Mascherano at Anfield
Phil P, Liverpool, UK
wouldn't want him in lfc either, he was the reason mancs were knocked out of CL...
King Kong, London,
would love to see him come but dont think he will ruin his relationship with utd fans
kopking, kilkenny, ireland
as it states in the report, it's not up to Fergie or anyone related to the little club from manchester ......
By the way Micky Owen would never sign for ManYoo
matthew, Solihull, UK
Torres, Shmorres, the Premiership is remaining at OT...
Inzaghi, Roma, ITALY
Says it all about Liverpool, they have to sign a Man Utd second string player.
Marcus Brain, Banbury,
Doesnt matter if he can be bought out of his contract - cant stop him going anywhere.
a, c, d
Gabriel Heinze going to Liverpool is just as stupid a story as the those of Michael Owen going to United. This news story is such a non-news story. [Tsk]
M Chaloner, Bolton, Lancashire, UK
I agree I can't see Heinze leaving, certainly not for the scousers.
Was it only 3 months ago the Reds were struggling to put out a back four actually made up of defenders!
Heinze is slowing down, in fact I don't think he has been the same player after he did his leg in. However, he gives a different option to Evra.
The only way he leaves if he pulls the plug, because he is not 1st choice
Bryan McGrath, Weston-Super-Mare,
Come on Gabby, come home to where you belong! You will never walk alone!
Ryan Heyes, manchester,
Spot on Chris! Henize, who speaks Spanish, finds the Reds more at home and he is running into last year of his contract with the devils, Fergie would have no choice but to accept it. In fact, Benetiz can take his time to make this bid, as it looks like the devils has to sell players before thay can buy.
Richard Yip, Tampines, Singapore
Why does Gabby need a move to Spain to be surronded by Spainish/ Argentinian players and staff?
Be afraid mancs, be very afraid!!!
Chris, Weston super Mare, England
As it says in the article Liverpool dont have to 'negotiate' any deal for Heinze due to FIFA rules so Utd are powerless to stop it .... Wonderful to see Torres will become a Liverpool player especially with Tevez now expected to become a Liverpool player too. Finally some top class transfer activity.... The New stadium is also set to light up Football itself .... these are some days to be a Liverpool Fan. Dan.
Daniel Crowley , Dublin, Ireland
don,t want him we want class, not mancs cast offs.at 29 too old madrid are welcome to him.
ROUMAN, LONDON, ENGLAND
Typical Liverpool. If Benitez is trying to build a side for the future, then buying a 29 year old is obviously the way to go. Atlast proof that Liverpool have come to terms that Riise is crap. Liverpool are still smarting from Silvestre coming to United instead of the pool.
I´m a United fan and would welcome £6m. We have huge depth in defence and with Piquet and young Evans to join up with the squad, we won´t miss Gabby. If he wants to go then, let him go. It won´t make a difference to Liverpool, 4th at best next year and they´d have to work hard at that.
zeus dormer, Malmo, Sweden
Title next season? Reina, finnan, carra, agger, heinze, gerrard, mascherano, alonso, kewell, torres and kuyt...the futures bright, the futures red
Rylo, Liverpool,
Have him. He's certainly not a cult hero and has not played well for nearly two years. Evra is the superior player.
John, Oxford,
Heinze is as good a left back as any in the game right now and would be an excellent addition to the Liverpool squad. If Liverpool can sign him and a world class left winger to play in front of him I believe they might at last have a strong enough best eleven to challenge for the title. Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Heinze, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, ?, Kuyt and Torres appers as good on paper as any team sheet Jose or Sir Alec can muster from their current squads. What concerns me most though is whether Rafa will rotate too much again and upset the balance in the team. With the new Brazilian midfielder, Sissoko, Pennant and Crouch as well he wont be short of options.
Chris Healy, Guildford, UK, Surrey
i've heard on the grapevine that Heinze has said that he's always appreciated the atmosphere at anfield: "passionate and knowledgeable fans". no wonder he wants to move.
Spie, delhi, india
Fergie can't do a thing about it. It would be absolutely hilarious to see one of the mancs cult heroes come to Anfield.
Chris, Liverpool,
Not Gonna Happen...
If he goes, he goes to Madrid. Gabby wouldnt do such a thing, and Fergie woulnd't allow it either.
Forget it...this is rubbish!
GOD is a Red Devil, city of angels,