[lfc-news] Morgan 'bid' baffles Reds - Post

Liverpool Echo, 11 Oct 2004
Morgan 'bid' baffles Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL are 'baffled' by weekend reports claiming building tycoon Steve Morgan is ready to make a new £100m investment in the club.

Detailed reports published over the weekend claimed that multi-millionaire Morgan was in advanced talks to underwite a rights issue at the club.

But both Morgan and Reds chief executive Rick Parry have discounted the claims and say they are unaware of any fresh offer.

Morgan is known to be perplexed by the claims that a deal is to be struck this week.

Parry added today: "Our relationship with Steve is very cordial and obviously we are in contact, but we are as baffled as he is by this story."

Morgan failed in a £70m offer last summer and saw a follow-up offer rejected.

His interest in investing remains, though, and few are discounting the possibility of some sort of deal one day.

For the time being, however, Liverpool have received no approaches.

Parry confirmed there is continuing dialogue with Thai-based media company Grammy - but it is more likely to form a commercial tie-up, while American-based entertainment executives Mike Jefferies and Stuart Ford have come up with no proposals.

Harry Kewell, meanwhile, hopes his injury irritations have been wiped away - by a week in Australia's spring sunshine.

The Reds' star missed Liverpool's recent home victory over Norwich City with a groin strain, was left out of the starting line-up for the next game in Olympiakos, then aggravated the problem at Stamford Bridge eight days ago.

Liverpool were prepared to accept a FIFA ban for keeping Kewell at Anfield instead of letting him fly to Sydney.

He made the trip, though, after privately hiring a physiotherapist and hopes to play in tomorrow's Confederations Cup qualifying second leg against the Solomon Islands in Sydney.

"I don't want to get my hopes up but I feel good today," said Kewell, after intensive treatment and fitness tests at an empty stadium near Bondi Beach.

Kewell sat out the 5-1 first leg victory, but added: "I feel very good but if you get your hopes up too much, something can always happen."

Kewell hopes the experience can act as a springboard for his faltering Liverpool form.

But despite his in-and-out performances, the Aussie winger has been impressed by new coach Rafael Benitez.

"Rafael Benitez is very good. He knows what he wants," he said. "The differences from last season are massive."

Former Reds coach Christian Damiano has been appointed as assistant coach to Steve Wigley at Southampton.

Damiano was Gerard Houllier's assistant at Anfield.

Deportivo La Coruna right-winger Victor, meanwhile, is reported to be the latest player attracting the attention of Benitez.