[lfc-news] Bayern star flattered by Liverpool "interest" - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 17 Aug 2005
Bayern star flattered by Liverpool 'interest'
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post Staff

BAYERN MUNICH midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic yesterday hinted he would
welcome a move to Liverpool.

Rafael Benitez is in the market for a right-sided midfielder, and has
been linked with a move for the Bosnian international.

And the 28-year-old, valued at £5million by the Bundesliga side, has
admitted he is honoured by Liverpool's interest.

"I've heard about interest from Liverpool and it is a great honour for
me to have the champions of Europe showing an interest in me," said
Salihamidzic..

"It is great to hear that, but of course it is not up to me and I have a
contract here until 2007. It is up to the two clubs to decide."

Salihamidzic has played in both Bayern's league games this season but
could be allowed to leave by coach Felix Magath if a suitable offer is
tabled.

Salihamidzic is just one of a number of midfield options Benitez is
pursuing, with Fulham's Steed Malbranque another possibility.

Meanwhile, Milan Baros has reiterated his desire to join Aston Villa by
snubbing overtures from French duo Lyon and Monaco.

Villa have agreed personal terms with Baros and are expected to lodge an
improved bid later this week, with Liverpool continuing to hold out for £7m.

That figure proved prohibitive for both Schalke and Everton, and Baros
admitted: "It is certainly a lot of money. Schalke could not afford it.
Liverpool paid £7m for Crouch, so they want the money back. But this has
nothing to do with me.

"It would be better if I leave Liverpool. I love the club very much, it
has wonderful fans and a super stadium.

"But the time comes to say goodbye and go somewhere else."

Baros has sounded out former Liverpool and Czech Republic team-mate
Patrik Berger about life at Villa Park, and said: "He said it is a club
of very high quality, but he did not give me any advice. He left the
decision to me."

And of his decision to turn down Lyon and Monaco, Baros added: "I have
nothing against the French league, it is certainly of a very high
quality, but I consider the leagues in England and Spain to be the best
ones."

Baros also revealed he was close to sealing a move to Valencia in the
summer before the arrival of new coach Quique Sánchez Flores at the
Mestalla scuppered the transfer.

"I agreed the transfer there, then the management was changed and
everything was gone," added Baros. "After last season we sat down with
the coach (Rafa Benitez) and consulted over my situation. "I openly told
him that I would go to Valencia. But I don't know if that has played a
big role (in leaving)."

Fernando Morientes believes he is now coming to terms with life in the
Premiership.

The striker has been recalled by Spain for tonight's friendly for
Uruguay after suffering an indifferent start to his Liverpool career
since arriving from Real Madrid in January. But Morientes said: "In the
11 months since I was last called up there have been some important
changes in my career.

"When I was at Real Madrid I hardly played and it was difficult to play
for the national team and when I arrived at Liverpool I had some initial
problems with my fitness and in adapting to the training.

"Now everything is going as I had hoped it would."

Florent Sinama-Pongolle made a scoring return to action last night when
he played 41 minutes as substitute in Liverpool reserves' 3-2 defeat
against Everton at Wrexham.

Meanwhile, new Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is backing his former
Villarreal team-mates against Everton in the second leg of their
Champions League qualifier.

Villarreal got a valuable 2-1 first leg victory to put them in a
commanding position for the return match at El Madrigal next Wednesday.

He said: "All the Villarreal players are of the highest level and as
well as being good technically they are also able to deal with Everton's
physical strength."

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