[lfc-news] Sissoko snub to Mourinho - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 11 July 2005
Sissoko snub to Mourinho
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL fought off a late bid by Chelsea to secure a £5m deal for
Mohamed Sissoko, it emerged today.

The Mali international arrived at Melwood for his medical this morning
as Reds boss Rafael Benitez enjoyed his second transfer coup within a
week over the Premiership champions following their failure to sign
Steven Gerrard.

Everton's delay securing 20-year-old Sissoko seven days ago opened the
door for Benitez, who has tracked the youngster since he left Valencia.

Chelsea tried to hijack the deal at the eleventh hour only for Sissoko,
who was expected to be paraded with goalkeeper Jose Reina later today,
to pledge his future to Anfield.

"We hope to finalise all the details today and present Sissoko and Reina
at a press conference," confirmed Benitez..

"We have been talking with the player since we knew he was available and
once we made our move for him we knew how much he wanted to play for us.
We also knew it would be difficult to sign him because Everton and
another club wanted him.

"I'm delighted he chose Liverpool because he is a good player for the
present and the future of the club. He has played right-back but that is
not his best position. I see him as a strong central midfielder.

"He plays a high energy game with a high tempo.

"He's young, he's not bad on the ball and he will improve the balance of
our team.

"He's had two good years with Valencia where he has won trophies. I know
him well and he's a very good player."

Meanwhile Benitez has warned Real Madrid he is now exploring new options
on the right of midfield as the Luis Figo deadlock continues.

"That deal is becoming more difficult every day so I'm now looking at
other possibilities in that position," said the manager.

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