[lfc-news] Figo: I want Reds move - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 13 June 2005
Figo: I want Reds move
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL are considering a move for Real Madrid superstar Luis Figo
after the Portuguese international offered his services to the European
champions.

However, manager Rafa Benitez still needs convincing to swoop for the
32-year-old.

Figo's representatives contacted Anfield officials after the right
midfielder was told he was surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.

Figo is keen to move to the Premiership, but the reaction thus far
hasn't been as enthusiastic as he'd hoped.

He's also in talks with Marseille. Although Figo wouldn't command a huge
transfer fee, his wages would certainly be a significant factor.

Benitez is also concerned about how hungry the player would be to make a
major impact at Anfield as he enters the twilight years of an
illustrious career.

Liverpool will sign a right-sided midfielder during their brief closed
season and Figo is one of numerous options.

"I have been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United. Almost every
player would like to play for either of those teams and I am no
different," said Figo.

"I have always said that the Premiership is a competition I would like
to play in one day and that's not changed. But I have a family to think
about, too, and it's important that I make the right final decision for
them.

"The Premiership has improved so much over the last few years and many
of the world's best players are signing for clubs in England.

"It's very different to the Spanish League, but I am sure that I will be
able to adapt to it if I ever moved there."

Talks will continue with Dutchman Bolo Zenden, who is also available on
a free transfer.

The deals nearest completion so far are the much publicised swoop for
Villarreal keeper Jose Reina for £6m, and the purchase of Albacete's
20-year-old winger Mark Gonzalez, most likely on an initial year loan
while he recovers from cruciate knee surgery.

Benitez will make another effort to lure Southampton's Peter Crouch this
week. Anfield officials have privately confirmed a £5m bid put to the
Saints was Liverpool's.

The Spanish boss will look elsewhere if Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe
continues to inflate Crouch's value to around £7m.

Meanwhile, Benitez has been honoured by the Spanish region of Extremadura.

Both Benitez and his assistant Pako Ayesteran are to be presented with
the title 'Special Ambassador' for the county where they began their
senior coaching careers.

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