[retired_joesudz]

Garcia could be makeweight in Torres bid
Jun 21 2007
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LUIS GARCIA could be the makeweight which convinces Atletico Madrid to part with their skipper, Fernando Torres.

As reported in yesterday’s ECHO, 23-year-old Torres has leapt to the top of Rafa Benitez’s summer wish list.

But Atletico will not let the striker leave without a £24m buy-out clause in his contract being activated.

Liverpool are loathe to pay that kind of cash, but Garcia could be used as a bargaining chip.

LUIS GARCIA could be the makeweight which convinces Atletico Madrid to part with their skipper, Fernando Torres.

As reported in yesterday’s ECHO, 23-year-old Torres has leapt to the top of Rafa Benitez’s summer wish list.

But Atletico will not let the striker leave without a £24m buy-out clause in his contract being activated.

Liverpool are loathe to pay that kind of cash, but Garcia could be used as a bargaining chip.

The winger spent one season at the Vicente Calderon, in 2002/03, when he scored nine goals in 30 appearances before moving to Barcelona.

Benitez would be reluctant to let Garcia go, despite sporadic appearances last season even before the knee injury which ended his campaign in January.

Atletico Madrid have made no fresh comment about Torres’ future following yesterday’s revelation.

There are suggestions that a delegation from Anfield was in Madrid yesterday to discuss Torres’ future, but an agreement is not thought to be imminent.

The Reds, meanwhile, will not chase up any interest in Charlton striker Darren Bent.

Rafa Benitez made a tentative enquiry before West Ham’s unsuccessful £17m bid, but they do not rate the striker in that price bracket.

Wouldn't really want to lose Garcia if it could be avoided.

[retired_joesudz]

Roma reject Mancini bid
By Nadia Carminati - Created on 21 Jun 2007

Roma are reported to have rejected a bid from Liverpool for Alessandro Mancini.

Reports emanating from Italy suggest Roma have shunned an offer from the English club for the talented Brazilian.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is believed to have put Mancini on his list of transfer targets this summer as he looks to add to his attacking options at Anfield.

Mancini enjoyed a fine season with Roma last term and he has established himself as a key player in the Giallorossi side.

Liverpool have been quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, but they are believed to have offered €19million (£12.7million) for the skilful winger.

Roma have previously rebuffed Liverpool overtures and are thought to be putting together a new deal to keep Mancini in the Italian capital until 2012.

[retired_andrea.fife]

Guthrie set for Bolton loan move

Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie has agreed to join Premier League rivals Bolton on a season-long loan deal.

The 20-year-old, who came through the ranks at Anfield, will complete the paperwork on the deal when he returns from his summer holiday.

"Danny is a dynamic midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball," said Bolton manager Sammy Lee.

"He has a tremendous work-ethic and has got a great engine. He is a good passer and will suit our type of football."

Shrewsbury-born Guthrie spent part of last season on loan at Southampton and also made three substitute appearances for Liverpool.

Guthrie will join Jlloyd Samuel, Gavin McCann, Blerim Dzemaili, Gerald Cid and Zoltan Harsanyi as new arrivals at the club.

[retired_paeng2000]

3rd seeds in the Champions league

Man U and Chelsea 7th

[retired_bibitte]

I wouldn't want rid of Garcia at all.

[sgtsmileyII]

Bit of a pointless move for Guthrie. Can't see him playing much at Bolton. If he's going on loan he has to be playing regularly.

[retired_Kakaisbrilliant]

Not averse to Garcia going if he's a makeweight for Torres.

[retired_stevesgrl]

I would be sad to lose the little spanish maestro. But for torres it would be acceptable collateral damage i reckon.

[retired_Angela Adams]

Why is he going after Mancini, surely left wing is priority. I thought Pennant was pretty much gauranteed to be first choice for next season. Can Mancini play left wing?

[retired_anneduck]

Originally posted by Lubricated Crisp Packet:
Why is he going after Mancini, surely left wing is priority. I thought Pennant was pretty much gauranteed to be first choice for next season. Can Mancini play left wing?

Mancini normally plays on the left, but can on the right too