[lfc-news] European Cup derby day? - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 10 June 2005
European Cup derby day?
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

EVERTON and Liverpool may have to slug it out for a place in next
season's Champions League.

A clause in UEFA's shock announcement said today: "There will be no
country protection for Liverpool FC."

This is believed to mean the Reds could be drawn against a team from
their own association in the third qualifying round - and with
Manchester United seeded along with the Reds, that leaves unseeded Everton.

An all- English draw would also conveniently solve UEFA's problem of the
share of English market pool money.

Of course, first Liverpool would have to come through two qualifying
rounds - and while the identity of the clubs concerned will not cause
undue consternation at Anfield, some of the journeys may.

The first qualifying round could throw up trips to Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Albania or Kazakhstan --while the second round offers the alarming
prospect of a trip to Georgia to face Dinamo Tbilisi.

The unseeded teams who Liverpool could face in the June 24 draw include:
Sliema Wanderers - Malta; Pyunik Yerevan - Armenia; SK Tirana - Albania;
Levadia Tallin - Estonia; Glentoran - Northern Ireland; Total Network
Solutions - Wales; F91 Dudelange - Luxembourg; Lenkoran - Azerbaijan; HB
Torshavn - Faroe Islands; Kairat Almaty - Kazakhstan; FC Vaduz -
Liechtenstein; Shelbourne - Republic of Ireland..

UEFA always had a space allocated in the group stages for the
competition winners - which they could have allocated to Liverpool had
they so wished.

Instead, Turkish champions Fenerbahce have been moved directly into the
group stages, Polish champions Wisla Krakow have taken the Turks' place
in the third qualifying round, the Romanian champions, Steaua Bucharest,
are pushed up in turn into qualifying round two and Liverpool have
replaced the Romanians in the first qualifying round.

* Phil Neal, who played in each of Liverpool's first four European Cup
triumphs, was jubilant at the confirmation from UEFA.

He said: "We're delighted that the cup holders - as we are - are in be in.

"We're in at the early qualifying stages, but who cares? It might
curtail a pre-season tour but we're back in the Champions League and the
boys, like us in 1977, would like to repeat it.

"Everyone likes the champions to defend the trophy. It's like Arsenal
not defending the FA Cup, so it's only right Liverpool were allowed to
do that."

Neal's one concern regarding today's decision is that Liverpool's
players could tire before the end of the season, unless Rafael Benitez
considerably strengthens his squad and boosts numbers.

He added: "They're already scheduled to come back on June 27 so it will
make it a very long season, so he's going to need a bigger squad."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Chaos - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 10 June 2005
Chaos
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

UEFA have plunged Liverpool's pre-season plans into chaos by handing
them a place in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

The Reds will now consider whether to pull out of the UEFA Super Cup
final and World Club Championships to ease the fixture congestion.

The extraordinary decision presents the Reds with a nightmare run of
games but the club has no avenue of appeal.

Europe's governing body announced Liverpool must begin their defence of
their title on July 12/13. That's a virtually impossible task for Rafa
Benitez who may not have completed his summer transfers by then.

Club officials are already reassessing pre-season plans. Trips to
Switzerland and Japan are virtually certain to be cancelled. 27.

The first qualifier takes place a fortnight after the players were due
to return to pre-season training. The squad may now be recalled even
earlier than June.

The second qualifying round clashes with the club's lucrative tour of
Japan, which will also be postponed if, as expected, Liverpool
reluctantly accept UEFA's verdict.

Chief executive Rick Parry is flying back from a club visit to Barbados
tonight and a club statement is expected later.

Anfield officials will be flabbergasted by the decision but have little
choice but to comply.

According to UEFA communications director William Gaillard, the pool of
TV money will now be shared by the five English clubs if all qualify for
the group stages.

Everton have already stated their opposition to the prospect of losing
out financially as a result of such a move, which could cost them
several million pounds.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] International Reds round-up - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater?
Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/2xaSZB/SOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 9 June 2005
INTERNATIONAL REDS ROUND-UP
By Paul Eaton

Milan Baros and John Arne Riise were both on the scoresheet last night
as their countries secured impressive victories in their final games of
the season.

Baros, who was reportedly being watched by Lyon, netted the Czech
Republic's sixth goal after 88 minutes in their comprehensive 6-1 World
Cup qualifying defeat of Macedonia.

The Czechs, for whom Vladimir Smicer appeared as a 61st minute
substitute, are now well placed in second in their group, just one point
behind leaders Holland with four games left to play.

Riise fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he captained Norway in their
3-2 friendly international in Sweden and he marked the occasion by
opening the scoring.

Meanwhile, Sami Hyypia played the full 90 minutes of Finland's 4-0
defeat to Holland in Helsinki and Xabi Alonso was given a 63rd minute
run-out as Spain were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against
Bosnia-Herzegovina in Valencia.

Liverpool youngster John Welsh was an unused substitute for England
under-20s as fellow Red Carl Medjani helped France to a place in the
final of the Toulon Tournament.

Despite figuring in all three of England's previous games Welsh played
no part as Peter Taylor's side crashed out of the competition on penalties.

Medjani, who spent the whole of 2004/05 on loan at Lorient, has
captained his country throughout the tournament and he'll now be hoping
they can defeat Portugal in the final.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Hamann agrees deal - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater?
Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/2xaSZB/SOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 9 June 2005
Hamann agrees deal
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DIDI HAMANN today extended his Liverpool career for a possible two years
and vowed: "Now I want to complete my Anfield medal collection."

Hamann has agreed a one-year deal which gives the club an option of
keeping him for an additional season in 2006-07.

The German, nicknamed 'The Kaiser', turned down overtures from Bolton
and Everton to re-commit himself to the Rafalution.

Bundesliga outfit Hamburg also failed with a late bid.

The 31-year-old has won every domestic and European club honour since
his £8m arrival at Anfield from Newcastle in 1999.

There is just one notable exception - the Premiership title - but Hamann
is sure he can put this right in the next two years.

"Once Liverpool made me an offer, there was only one place I wanted to
play my football," Hamann told the ECHO today. "I always said the first
club I would speak to about my future was Liverpool because I wanted to
stay.

"The gaffer said we would wait until after the final before we had a
meeting and that's what we did. We came to an agreement instantly. I'll
be here next season and hopefully for the next two years.

"I'm delighted the manager wanted to keep me. I read a lot about other
clubs being interested, but I couldn't imagine playing for any club in
England. "

After the Champions League triumph in May, Hamann insists nothing should
be ruled out as supporters ponder a seemingly unlikely title challenge
next season.

He said: "It's going to be hard to challenge for the title in the next
two seasons, but let's give it a go. The Premiership is the only club
competition I haven't won since I joined Liverpool. I'm desperate for us
to do it.

"The manager has achieved great things already by winning the Champions
League and I know he's planning to bring in new players for next season.

"If we can settle quickly and everyone starts working together
tactically early on, who knows what can happen? Who would have predicted
we would win the Champions League a year ago?

"Maybe we can surprise the top three. It's going to be tough to do that,
but I think we'll improve a lot."

Hamann is currently having treatment for a broken bone in his foot,
suffered during the final against AC Milan.

Meanwhile, West Brom will ask Liverpool if they can take Chris Kirkland
on a year's loan.

Kirkland wants to re-establish himself after a series of injuries and a
year's football elsewhere would suit all parties.

With Jose Reina and Scott Carson ahead of him in the pecking order,
Kirkland's immediate Anfield prospects look grim.

Liverpool still haven't officially confirmed if they're the 'unnamed
club' who bid £5m for Peter Crouch, but Rafa Benitez will step up his
pursuit of the striker.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Purple monsters lie in wait for Reds - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 8 June 2005
PURPLE MONSTERS LIE IN WAIT FOR THE REDS
By Mark Platt

While debate continues to rage over Liverpool's participation in next
season's Champions League, Liverpoolfc.tv turn the spotlight on a
tournament the Reds HAVE definitely qualified for - the FIFA Club World
Championship.
Between December 11 and 18 this year, the best teams from each of the
world's six continents will converge on Japan to battle it out for the
honour of being the crowned the finest club side on the planet.

That unforgettable victory over AC Milan in Istanbul last month means
Liverpool, the most successful club in the history of English football,
will represent Europe at FIFA's showpiece event in the Land of the
Rising Sun just before Christmas.

Rafael Benitez's reigning European Champions, together with the South
American qualifiers, will join the tournament at the semi-final stage,
with the representatives from Asia, Africa, Oceania and North/Central
America battling it out to see who joins them.

Liverpool are guaranteed to play two games. Their first (the semi-final)
will take place in Yokohama on Thursday 15 December. Depending on
whether they win or lose they'll then contest either the 3rd/4th place
play-off or the final three days later (Sunday 18 December) at the same
venue.

But who are the Reds likely to meet out in Japan? Only one other side
has so far been confirmed - Costa Rica's Deportivo Saprissa - and
there's still a lot of football to be played before we'll know the
identity of the four other participants.

But in an attempt to paint a clearer picture Liverpoolfc.tv search the
globe to examine some of the possibilities...

Asia (AFC)

29 clubs from 14 countries compete for the Asian Champions League title.
The group stages have now been completed and the draw for the
quarter-final will take place in Kuala Lumpar on June 25.

The reigning Asian champions are Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) and they will
join the following seven group winners in the last eight - Pas (Iran),
Al Ain (UAE), Al Sadd (Qatar), Al Ali (Saudi Arabia), Shenzhen (China),
Shandong (China) and Busan l'Park (Korea).

The competition reaches its climax with the second leg of the final on
November 2.

Africa (CAF)

After the completion of the opening knockout phase, the group stage of
the competition kicks off later this month.

The eight remaining club's have been split into two groups are four and
have been paired as follows - Group A: El Ahly (Egypt), Raja Casablanca
(Morocco), Ajax Cape Town (South Africa), Enyimba (Nigeria), Group B:
Asec Mimosas (Ivory Coast), Zamalek (Egypt), E.S.S. (Tunisia), Esperance
(Tunisia).

The winners will be known after the two-legged final that is due to be
completed in early November. Enyimba of Nigeria are the current champions.

Oceania (OFC)

The Oceania Football Federation Club Championship is currently taking
place in Tahiti. Eight club's have been competing in two groups of four,
with Sydney FC (Australia) and AS Magenta (New Caledonia) making it
through to the final on June 10.

North, Central American and Caribbean (CONCACAF)

Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica were the first club to book their place
in the 2005 Club World Championship. While Liverpool were preparing to
take on AC Milan in the European Champions League Final Saprissa
defeated Pumas UNAM of Mexico 3-2 on aggregate in the CONCACAF
equivalent, winning 2-0 at home and losing 2-1 away.

Saprissa are based in the Costa Rican city of San Jose and are the
country's most successful club. In winning the CONCACAF Champions League
they have managed to break a Mexican stranglehold on club football in
this area of the world. Coached by former Costa Rican international
Hernan Medford they are known as the 'Purple Monsters'.

South America (CONMEBOL)

The 2005 Copa Libertadores is nearing it's conclusion, with clubs from
Argentina, Brazil and Mexico battling it out for the honour of
representing their continent in Japan.

Last week the first leg of the four quarter-final ties took place and,
with the return legs scheduled for next week, here's how they stand at
the moment -

Atletico PR (Brazil) lead Santos (Brazil) 2-1
Sao Paolo (Brazil) lead Tigres (Mexico) 4-0
Banfield (Argentina) and River Plate (Argentina) are tied at 1-1
Guadalajara (Mexico) lead Boca Juniors (Argentina) 4-0

The two-legged final is pencilled in for July 6 and 13.

FIFA Club World Championship - a brief history

The tournament first took place in Brazil five years ago, with
Corinthians defeating Vasco de Gama on penalties in the final, and it
has now replaced the old World Club Championship on the world football
calendar.

Under the old format, which pitted just the champions of Europe and
South America against each other, Liverpool twice competed for the title
but lost on both occasions - first in 1981 against Flamengo (3-0) and
then three years later against Independiente (1-0). Both of these games
were one-off affairs in Tokyo but originally the World Club Championship
(or Intercontinental Cup as it was commonly known) was a two-legged contest.

Traditionally it was taken more seriously by the South American clubs
and domestic fixture congestion forced the Reds to pull out in 1977 and
1978. Manchester United are the only British side to have won the
trophy, defeating Palmeiras 1-0 in 1999. Real Madrid were the first
winners in 1960 and FC Porto the last in 2004.

The new FIFA World Club Championship initially involved eight clubs and
began in controversy when United withdrew from the FA Cup in order to
take part. The second tournament was due to take place in Spain the
following year, consisting of twelve clubs, but problems with
sponsorship eventually forced it to be scrapped.

Now it's back, with Tokyo, Toyota and Yokohama the host cities of the
2005 tournament. The competition has been streamlined to involve just
six teams and FIFA hope it will now become an annual event.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Harry sues Gary for hurtful jibe - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 8 June 2005
Harry sues Gary for hurtful jibe
By Jan Colley & Cathy Gordon, Liverpool Echo

FORMER England captain and Everton star Gary Lineker launched a "hurtful
and humiliating attack" on Liverpool's Harry Kewell over his Leeds
transfer, the High Court in London heard today.

The striker is suing top football pundit Lineker for libel after an
article in a Sunday newspaper headlined: "Kewell move made me feel
ashamed of the game".

Kewell, 26, and Lineker were today both in court for the start of a
seven-day action over the Sunday Telegraph article.

Kewell's counsel, Andrew Monson, told Mr Justice Eady and a jury that
Lineker, the newspaper's sports editor Jon Ryan and Telegraph Group Ltd
had accused Kewell of being a fool and implied he was a knave in that he
was guilty of dishonourable conduct.

The "hurtful and humiliating attack" came five days after Kewell's
transfer to Liverpool in July 2003, which grew out of Leeds United's
decision to sell star players to relieve their grave financial difficulties.

Despite approaches from Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona, Kewell
was set on moving to Liverpool, so his personal manager, Bernie Mandic,
began to negotiate terms with the Merseyside club.

Leeds wanted £7m but Liverpool offered £5m plus an additional £2.4m
loyalty bonus to Kewell, payable over three years - and out of the £5m
fee, £2m went to Mr Mandic's company, Max Sport.

Mr Monson said Leeds' then-chairman, Prof John McKenzie, complained
Liverpool went back on an agreement to pay £7m and suggested the £2m
difference disappeared into Mr Mandic's pocket or was split between him
and Kewell.

Mr Monson said Lineker's article libelled Kewell in three ways.

* Saying Kewell put his agent to approach Liverpool without Leeds'
consent, was disloyal and circumvented rules forbidding him from
entering into negotiations with the Reds before the final year of his
contract.

* That he naively and stupidly allowed Mr Mandic to manipulate him to
his financial detriment.

* That he discredited himself by willingly participating in a deeply
dishonourable and financially dubious transfer.

Mr Monson said Kewell was seeking substantial damages against the
defendants, who deny libel and plead fair comment.

"The allegations are serious and you will hear from him how much they
hurt and affected him and how, after due consideration, he decided he
could not let them pass and must try to get them withdrawn."

Australian-born Kewell told the jury from the witness box of how he was
"shocked and hurt" by Lineker's article.

Kewell, who is flying to Portugal tonight for further medical treat-ment
for a groin injury, said playing for Liverpool had been his boyhood dream.

Wearing a dark pin-striped suit, white shirt and tie, he gave details of
his career to date, starting from his signing with Leeds in 1995 when he
was 16.

He said the 2002/03 season at Leeds "started off great", but then
"players were getting sold right, left and centre".

In April 2003 he was in Australia and one of the reasons was to discuss
his future with another of his agents, Nick Mandic, brother of Bernie
Mandic.

Kewell told the jury: "It was to discuss the future with other clubs,
what was going to be the best thing for me to do because if Leeds wanted
to get rid of me, I had to look after my family.

"I needed to know what I was going to be doing for the next five years.

"We discussed clubs. There were a lot of clubs involved, but the main
club was Liverpool because it was my dream move to go there. They were
top of my list."

Kewell, who went to Liverpool for a total five-year financial package of
£13.5m, said it was his "boyhood dream" to play for Liverpool.

He had always supported and loved Liverpool since he was a little boy,
he said, and when he got the chance to play for the club, he "took it
with both hands".

Kewell said he regarded former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier "as one
of the best managers, and I still do".

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] European fate to be decided on Friday - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Daily Post, 8 June 2005
European fate to be decided on Friday
By David Prior, Daily Post Staff

LIVERPOOL are set to find out their Champions League fate on Friday.

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard has confirmed that executive committee
members are set to hold a telephone conference with a vote ratifying
their decision expected soon after.

The announcement will finally end weeks of uncertainty surrounding
whether the Merseysiders will be allowed to defend the trophy they won
in Istanbul on May 25.

Should the decision fall in their favour, however, Liverpool face the
prospect of a fixture pile-up before the season has even started - which
could see them playing the prestigious European Super Cup final and the
second leg of a Champions League third qualifying round tie inside four
days.

It has emerged that the English FA are not pressing UEFA to allow
Liverpool into the group stages of next season's Champions League, and
are only concerned with getting the Anfield club back into the
competition as holders.

Informed sources at Soho Square are insisting that Liverpool can only
expect to be involved at some stage of the qualifying rounds, if UEFA
agree to the move.

Now UEFA chief Lennart Johansson has made it clear he favours the
unlikely outcome of Liverpool starting the competition from scratch
rather than being given the other option available of a wild card into
the group stages as number one seed.

Johansson said: "In my opinion Liverpool should be in from the very
beginning - they will have to go through all the competition."

If that is the final decision then Liverpool could find themselves in a
first qualifying round tie which would fall in early July when they are
supposedly in their Swiss pre-season training camp.

If UEFA accept this advice from their president, Liverpool's pre-season
will be thrown into chaos.

If they are asked to start out in the second qualifying round, they will
find themselves in Japan for the first leg on July 27 playing two
friendlies, one that night against Shimizu S Pulse and then another
three days later against Kashima Antlers.

Liverpool are due back in the UK on July 31 from a tour they are already
financially committed to.

If UEFA tell Liverpool to start in the third qualifying round, the
second leg of that stage will clash with the week of the European Super
Cup Final against CSKA Moscow in Monaco on August 26, an event UEFA have
already confirmed that Liverpool are scheduled to play in.

If Liverpool are forced into this stage of the Champions League, they
will face a second leg on either Tuesday or Wednesday of that week with
the Super Cup on the Friday.

The situation threatens to ruin Liverpool's lucrative pre-season tour as
well as manager Rafael Benitez's build-up to the new season - with the
Anfield men due back for pre-season training a week earlier than usual
on June 27.

Yesterday Johansson confirmed how he expected the discussions to
materialise. He said: "We will look at which alternatives are available.
One decision is about what will happen in the future but the main
decision is what will happen to Liverpool. I trust it will be a decision
which will be accepted by all parties."

Liverpool the opportunity to defend their title but on the other hand we
need to make sure no-one suffers from such a decision."

Officials in Turkey have expressed dissatisfaction that Liverpool may be
entered into the group stages with a high seeding therefore demoting
their champions, Fenerbahce, to the qualifying round.

The 75-year-old Swede continued: "I want people to know they are free to
have their own opinion.

"I want them to have the background I have studied it would be wrong of
me to say they are in favour (of Liverpool playing in the Champions
League)."

Johansson admitted: "We have a situation which was unforeseen.
Consequently we have to make a decision about the future and then deal
with Liverpool.

"But I think the champions as in all other sports have the chance to
defend their title."

Nine Merseyside MPs will hand over a dossier today in support of
Liverpool being granted a chance to defend their Champions League crown
to FA executive director David Davies.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are believed to be keeping an eye on highly-rated
Slovak defender Martin Skrtel.

Hamburg and Anderlecht are also monitoring the 20-year-old, who is
currently on the books at Zenit St Petersburg.

The Russian club's manager Vlastimil Petrzhela confirmed: "The
Englishmen are seriously interested in buying Martin. But we don't want
to lose him."

Meanwhile goal-keeper Mariano Barbosa has agreed to move to Primera Liga
side Villarreal, leaving the way clear for Jose Reina to possibly sign
for Liverpool.

Barbosa, who will arrive from Argentina-based Banfield, has penned a
three-year agreement with the Spanish club for a fee of 2million euros
(£1.34million).

The 20-year-old is expected to take the place of current first-choice
custodian Reina, who is reported to be on the verge of signing for
Rafael Benitez.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Anfield exit for cup hero Biscan - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater?
Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/2xaSZB/SOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 8 June 2005
Anfield exit for cup hero Biscan
EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

IGOR BISCAN'S Liverpool revival is over.

The Croat hasn't been offered a new deal and he's available on a Bosman
transfer, with Italians Lazio leading the chase.

The 27-year-old midfielder played a major role in the club's triumphant
Champions League campaign, enjoying his most consistent season since his
£5.5m transfer in 2000.

However, his radical improvement wasn't enough to convince manager Rafa
Benitez to prolong his Liverpool career.

Biscan will leave with his head held high following a season in which he
finally showed some of the potential which motivated Gerard Houllier to
lure him from Croatia Zagreb.

After a nightmare spell in defence two seasons ago, he was far more
comfortable in his favoured central role.

His performances against Deportivo La Coruna, Bayer Leverkusen and
Juventus went some way to restoring a hitherto blemished reputation, and
the shy Croat even became a folk hero for some sections of the Anfield
crowd.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds will up bid to land Crouch - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 8 June 2005
Reds will up bid to land Crouch
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will step up their bid to sign Peter Crouch by increasing
their £5m valuation.

Southampton have placed an extraordinary £7m price tag on striker,
although Saints boss Harry Redknapp is privately resigned to losing the
24-year-old striker.

Liverpool hoped Crouch would leave for a bargain fee in the aftermath of
his club's relegation from the Premiership, but manager Rafa Benitez is
determined to sign the forward and negotiations will advance when chief
executive Rick Parry returns to the country in a few days.

Despite an inflated valuation, the 6ft 7 inch forward still represents a
cheaper option than Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt, who is valued at £10m.

Crouch could finally join the Reds for around £6m.

England international Crouch has suffered the indignity of having his
wages halved by Southampton in the aftermath of relegation.

His salary has been cut from £9,000 a week to £4,500 by chairman Rupert
Lowe, which would make the club helpless if Liverpool make their move.

After weeks of speculation, Liverpool are still considering many of
their other options in transfer market, although Benitez hopes to seal
most of his deals before the players return to pre-season training on
June 27.

Much still depends on UEFA's verdict regarding Champions League
qualification, now expected on Friday.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina is heading to Merseyside in a £6m deal, while Real
Zaragoza's defender Gabriel Milito is expected to follow when his
international duty with Argentina ends.

With regards to outgoings, Lyon have openly admitted they're interested
in signing striker Milan Baros.

While the Reds would welcome all bids which meet a £7m valuation, the
Czech star's previously fraught relationship with ex-boss Gerard
Houllier could be a stumbling block to a deal.

Baros publicly stated he would have quit Anfield last season if Houllier
had remained in charge, making any bid to reunite the duo very surprising.

Despite morning reports, Deportivo La Coruna winger Albert Luque is not
an Anfield target.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] UEFA move on Reds dilemma - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 7 June 2005
UEFA move on Reds dilemma
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

UEFA chief Lennart Johansson today confirmed Liverpool will not be kept
waiting much longer to find out their Champions League destiny.

President Johansson was due to speak to UEFA's executive committee today
about whether the European champions will have the chance to defend
their title next season. 17.

Johansson, who confirmed he is in favour of Rafael Benitez's team taking
part in next season's Champions League, wants a decision this week,
ahead of the proposed D-day of June

Johansson said: "The executive committee are to decide today on which
date and what time they are going to have a telephone conference.

"They will look at which alternatives are available. One decision is
about what will happen in the future but the main decision is what will
happen to Liverpool.

"I trust it will be a decision which will be accepted by all parties.

"We have the ambition on the one hand to give Liverpool the opportunity
to defend their title - but on the other hand we need to make sure
no-one suffers from such a decision."

Everton, who beat the Reds to the fourth qualification spot, say they'll
object to a solution which would mean

they have to take a smaller share of the prize money.

Usually, four English clubs share a minimum of around £52m for reaching
the group stage. If Liverpool get in, this will be shared between five.

That means Liverpool and Everton would receive a minimum of £10.4m
rather than £13m. These costs would increase if all five English clubs
reached the last 16.

Officials in Turkey have also expressed dissatisfaction that Liverpool
may be entered into the group stages with a high seeding therefore
demoting their champions, Fenerbahce, to the qualifying round.

Reds chief executive Rick Parry believes his side should go straight
into the group stage as top seeds in the same manner as all previous
winners.

That prospect appears to be diminishing, although it's unlikely
Liverpool will complain if they're handed a place in the third
qualifying round.

Johansson continued: "In my opinion Liverpool should be in from the very
beginning - they will have to go through all the competition.

"But I think the champions should have the chance to defend their title."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Lyon chairman confirms Baros interest - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC WEbsite, 6 June 2005
LYON CHAIRMAN CONFIRMS BAROS INTEREST
By Mark Platt

Olympique Lyonnais chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has reportedly confirmed
his club's interest in Liverpool striker Milan Baros.

Baros was a key member of the Reds' Champions League winning squad and
is currently away on international duty with the Czech Republic.

Lyon, who have recently appointed former Anfield chief Gerard Houllier
as their new coach, are the reigning champions of France and, according
to Aulas, they are keen on adding the 23-year old to their ranks.

"Even if we want to remain as discreet as possible, I confirm Baros is
on our list," he says. "Sport director Bernard Lacombe and Gerard
Houllier will oversee the next Czech Republic match."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Stevie talks face delay - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease?
Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/0xaSZB/UOnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 6 June 2005
Stevie talks face delay
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

TALKS to resolve the future of Steven Gerrard are unlikely to start
before Liverpool return to pre-season training on June 27.

Gerrard declared his intention to stay at Anfield in the aftermath of
the Champions League triumph, but so far there's no meeting scheduled to
discuss next year's plans.

A variety of circumstances have contributed to the delay.

Chief executive Rick Parry flew out to Barbados on pre-arranged club
business 48 hours after the victory in Turkey.

Manager Rafa Benitez returned to Merseyside over the weekend having
spent last week in Madrid, while Gerrard has also been enjoying a
well-earned break following an arduous season.

His representative from agency SFX, Struan Marshall, got married the
weekend after Liverpool's European Cup win, making it impossible for all
parties to get together amid the euphoria of Istanbul.

At the moment it remains unclear if the club will attempt to bring the
matter to a close before Gerrard returns to Melwood at the end of the month.

One might have presumed an immediate resolution would have been sought.
However, the lack of urgency to put the saga to bed appears more a
consequence of circumstance than any suspicious factor.

Yesterday saw the first 'Gerrard to leave' story printed since the
European Cup success - a situation every Liverpool fan must have hoped
would finally end after the win over AC Milan.

But Benitez knows speculation will continue until Gerrard pens a new
deal. He currently has two years left on his contract. If an agreement
isn't struck this summer, he edges closer to the danger zone.

Liverpool can't allow the captain to get within one year of a Bosman or
they'll receive nowhere near the £35m he'd currently command.

Benitez was planning for next season with two potential budgets. The
first, which presumes Gerrard will stay, provides a transfer kitty of
around £30m.

However, a contingency plan in the event of the captain moving on,
handing Benitez around £60m.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] International round-up - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 5 June 2005
ROUND-UP OF REDS ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY
By Paul Rogers

No fewer than five Reds were in action over the weekend on international
duty for their respective countries and while Milan Baros and Vladimir
Smicer may have scored for the Czech Republic, they weren't the only
heroes of the weekend.

Azerbaijan 0 - 3 Poland

Jerzy Dudek, still on a high from his heroics in Istanbul last month,
kept a clean sheet as Poland crushed a weak Azerbaijan 3-0 in a World
Cup qualifier on Saturday to go top of Group 6. The Poles went two
points above England having played one game more.

Czech Republic 8 - 1 Andorra

Milan Baros and Vladimir Smicer both found the net as the Czech Republic
romped to an 8-1 win over Andorra in Group 1 on Saturday.

Italy 0 - 0 Norway

John Arne Riise helped Norway keep a clean sheet against Italy although
the Italians maintained a four-point lead at the top of Group 5 with 13
points, ahead of Norway and Slovenia on nine.

Spain 1 - 0 Lithuania

Luis Garcia was a second-half substitute for Spain as they picked up a
vital win at home to Lithuania. The scores were level before Garcia came
on but it was fellow substitute Albert Luque who scored the decisive
goal. Xabi Alonso was an unused substitute.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] UEFA will find Liverpool Euro solution - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
http://us.click.yahoo.com/B9pRWD/3MnJAA/Y3ZIAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 5 June 2005
UEFA WILL FIND LIVERPOOL EURO SOLUTION

UEFA will endeavour to find a "positive" solution to Liverpool's quest
to defend thier Champions League crown next season, according to a
member of their executive committee.

Pressure has increased on European football's governing body in the past
week to include the Reds in next season's competition following their
stunning penalty shoot-out triumph over AC Milan in Istanbul.

The G14 elite European clubs group have added their voice to the
clamour, while Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson - who is
also a UEFA vice-president - has continued lobbying for there to be five
English clubs in the 2005/2006 tournament so Liverpool can defend their
crown.

The Anfield club will probably have to wait until the middle of the
month before the issue is resolved by UEFA's 15-man executive committee
at their meeting in Manchester on June 17.

UEFA president Lennart Johansson is understood to be broadly supportive,
and his influence is extremely important though not necessarily
decisive, with many executive committee members insisting the
competition's rules must be adhered too.

"I feel the situation is very difficult," reflected Eggert Magnusson,
who is also president of the Football Association of Iceland.

"I have always said this was a matter the [English] FA should have taken
firmly, maybe two or three months ago when they faced the possibility
Liverpool could be in the final or even win the competition.

"The regulations say it quite clearly that there can only be four teams
from each nation, maximum, in the Champions League."

Magnusson added on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek Programme: "UEFA is
obviously looking into this matter very seriously.

"I think a lot of people within UEFA, within the executive committee,
have a feeling in their heart for Liverpool, but the rules are there to
be followed, and that is something we also have to stand by.

"This is being looked into and I am sure we will try to find a positive
solution that everybody can be happy with.

"It is a difficult matter to solve and we are trying our best, so let's
see what happens.

"My heart is with Liverpool, but I am also a believer that you have to
stick to the regulations that are there already.

"The decision will be taken at the right time and by the right people.

"I think that [June 17] date could well be the crunch date because we
obviously have a meeting there and we will sit [together] in Manchester."

Magnusson believes UEFA will now look to ensure this scenario is not
allowed to happen again, where a team wins the European Cup, but does
not qualify via their domestic league position.

"You have to face a situation like this before you look seriously into
it," he said.

"Of course it happened some years ago, and the Spanish FA took a very
firm decision, but this time I think people will have to look seriously
into the consequences for the future."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/