Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will parade new signing Robbie Keane on Tuesday before focusing on trying to secure the transfer of Gareth Barry.Benitez on Monday completed Keane's £20.3million move from Spurs on a four-year contract worth £80,000 a week to the Republic of Ireland international.
But sources at Anfield are making it clear that Benitez is as determined as ever to clinch a deal to bring Barry from Aston Villa, despite claims from Villa Park boss Martin O'Neill that his club "valued Gareth more than Liverpool do".
O'Neill, having turned down four previous bids for Barry from Liverpool, demanded last week that the Anfield club make their intentions for any further moves known to him, so he could plan his own summer transfer strategy.
Benitez, however, will not be rushed as he has to acquire more money for his transfer kitty.
He will have to sell before he can buy Barry, and that means the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Andriy Voronin and Alvaro Arbeloa may have to be moved on.
The deal could now drag on into the new season, with the transfer deadline on August 31.
Arbeloa wants to return to Spain for family reasons, and he would cost around £6million, as would Voronin. Blackburn are interested in Pennant for a £4million fee.
Keane, 28, will be introduced to the media at Liverpool's Melwood training ground and then is expected to travel to Spain with the rest of the squad for Wednesday's friendly with Villarreal.
Fourteen years ago Keane turned down the chance of joining Liverpool's youth set-up, the club he supported as a boy, and instead signed for Wolves.
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Comment 1 - 8 of 8
I don't know, but if I was MON now, I'd block any bids for Barry. With Bouma out we need all the players we can get!
Besides, as we're in Europe now (albeit UEFA qualifiers), Barry may well stay anyway. (Here's hoping).
I've said all along he should wait 12 months and then make his mind up. Liverpool and Villa are two totally different situations, one he (was) the captain of the team and the keystone of midfield, the other he'd just be yet another player in Rafa's rotation policy.
Its not inconceivable that he could well play no part in their European campaign anyway if Rafa picks other players before him.
But the crowd's reaction to him on Saturday was positive (thankfully) and I don't doubt the fans will get behind him again should he stay.
@ Johnny D - Barry would be cup-tied for the UEFA cup, but not the Champions League - different competitions. (As I understand it). Bit like if someone played in the League Cup (whatever its called now), they wouldn't be cup-tied for the FA Cup.
Both are good solid players and will be a benefit for Liverpool FC. Howeverrrr if the Barry signing goes through I am a little worries that nearly £40m has been spent on players who have maybe 2 or 3 years left at there peak. Also there will be a big loss on both players for sell on. The only silver lining would be if Liverpool were to go on and win the Premier League or Champions League.....and as we know that wouldbe very difficult.
Benitez will probably get his way over Barry if the money is there, but he has acted with very poor form. What happened to gentlemanly conduct in Sport?
A Spaniard at Liverpool probably isn't the best combination to guarentee that though...
this move again makes the BIG 4 stronger than the rest! Lets hope for the sake of a healthy competition that the Spurs can buy some1 really good!
Well of what I read before,playing Intertoto doesnt make Barry not available for Europe..He can still play for Liverpool unless he plays in the UEFA cup
Maybe I'm really stupid, but does the fact that Barry played in the Intertoto Cup not Cup-tie him for the Champions League if we buy him?? I fooking hope not...
it 'll b a great addition for the club
robbie is a great player and will be a asset to any club
cs
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