[Liverweb] Bellamy

From today's Echo confirmation that the Reds are after Craig Bellamy

LIVERPOOL have made a formal £6m bid for Blackburn striker Craig
Bellamy.

Rafa Benitez has ended speculation surrounding his much publicised
search for a top striker by testing the validity of claims Bellamy
has an exit clause in his contract.

With Bellamy desperate for a transfer to Anfield, Liverpool now
expect to be given permission to talk to the Welsh striker.

The 25-year-old is certain to react to today's developments by
urging his club to accept the offer.
The outcome of talks between Bellamy and Benitez will then determine
if Liverpool want to press ahead with a deal.

It's known Benitez harboured concerns about the off-field history of
the centre-forward, but the players' footballing skills have made
him the most highly rated of all those Premiership-based stars
linked with a move to Liverpool.

Blackburn were one of the most improved teams in the Premiership
last season, largely down to Bellamy's goalscoring threat and
contribution. The Spanish boss will now want to meet Bellamy and
assess if he has the right mentality to join his club.

Bellamy's eagerness for the transfer, however, has already proven an
influential factor and he's unlikely to blow his opportunity now.

The former Newcastle and Coventry striker jumped to the top of the
wanted list following Djibril Cisse's unfortunate injury, but his
£6m clause always made a Reds bid likely.

Benitez already rated Bellamy above the likes of Darren Bent and
Jermaine Defoe, but was cautious due to his bad boy reputation.

The loss of an £8m kitty due to Cisse's injury made Benitez feel
Bellamy's bargain price made him a risk worth taking. Bellamy is
also a boyhood Liverpudlian having hero worshipped the legendary Ian
Rush as a youngster.

His imminent arrival could trigger a busy period, as the Red have
also increased their offer for Daniel Alves to an estimated £10m.

Alves is also determined to move to Merseyside, but Seville are
holding on for £12m. Marseille are negotiating a possible loan deal
for Djibril Cisse, but no agreement has been reached for the injured
striker yet.

In other transfer rumours the Reds are looking at Both Javier
Saviola who will leave Barcelona this summer and also are said to be
close to a deal for Dirk Kuyt.

Andy
Liverweb

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