[lfc-news] Charlton and Birmingham battle for Smicer - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 31 May 2005
Charlton and Birmingham battle for Smicer
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

CHARLTON and Birmingham are leading the chase for European Cup hero
Vladimir Smicer following his triumphant Anfield exit.

The Czech international is currently back in Prague after bringing the
curtain down on his Reds career in extraordinary style.

But the 32-year-old wants to remain in Premiership football and will be
discussing a move with Steve Bruce and Alan Curbishley over the next few
weeks.

Smicer could be reunited with former team-mate Danny Murphy at The
Valley and a move to the capital appears to be his preferred option at
this stage.

However, Birmingham are also keen to pair the creative midfielder with
another former teammate, Emile Heskey. Smicer's close friend Patrik
Berger will also be playing in the Midlands next season, at rivals Aston
Villa.

Milan Baros' hopes of completing an £8m switch to Valencia may have hit
a late hitch.

The Spaniards' interest is believed to have cooled.

Baros has permission from manager Rafa Benitez to find a new club -
providing a bid matches the Reds' valuation.

Benitez has no intention of allowing his stars of Europe leave on the
cheap, but an outstanding offer will represent good business for a
player who signed for £4m in 2002.

* Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has joined Lyon, prompting the
French newspaper L'Equipe to link his new club with a swoop for Baros.

It's highly unlikely Baros will be interested in rejoining his ex-boss.

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