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    <title>Liverpool FC News, Discussion &amp; Debate | Liverpool Banter</title>
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    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2008-02-08://22</id>
    <updated>2009-07-02T09:35:25Z</updated>
    <subtitle>Liverpool Banter - Join the debate with LFC fans, staff writers and club legends.  Brought to you by the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post.</subtitle>
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<link rel="self" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LiverpoolBanter" type="application/atom+xml" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" /><entry>
    <title>Real Madrid's bid for Xabi Alonso on hold - Liverpool FC latest</title>
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    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153573</id>

    <published>2009-07-02T09:33:04Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-02T09:35:25Z</updated>

    <summary> REAL MADRID are delaying a bid for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso until a sell-on clause with his former club Real Sociedad expires later this month. When the 27-year-old midfielder made the switch to Anfield in a £10.5million deal five years...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>James Pearce</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="javiermascherano" label="Javier Mascherano" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="xabialonso" label="Xabi Alonso" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
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        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="xabialonso.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/xabialonso.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p>REAL MADRID are delaying a bid for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso until a sell-on clause with his former club Real Sociedad expires later this month.</p>

<p>When the 27-year-old midfielder made the switch to Anfield in a £10.5million deal five years ago, Sociedad negotiated a 20% cut of any future transfer fee.</p>

<p>However, that agreement is believed to run out on July 18 and Madrid insist that could help them agree a deal with the Reds.</p>

<p><br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>If Liverpool reluctantly agree to sell and are able to pocket all the cash, Madrid hope they will be able to get Alonso for close to £25million rather than the Reds' £35million valuation.</p>

<p>Madrid have continued their controversial public courting of the Spaniard with Kaka urging his new club to sign Alonso.</p>

<p>The former World and European player of the year, who has moved from AC Milan for £56million, was officially unveiled at the Bernabeu last night.</p>

<p>Kaka said: "I've played against Xabi Alonso in two European Cup finals.</p>

<p>"He's an excellent player and also Spanish. He would be very welcome."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Barcelona are ready to test Liverpool's resolve with a £25million bid for Javier Mascherano.</p>

<p>But, that is certain to be rejected with Rafa Benitez saying "not even £50million" would convince the Reds to sell the Argentinean.</p>

<p>Mascherano has praised compatriot Emiliano Insua and believes there is more to come from the 20-year-old left-back who made 13 appearances last season.</p>

<p>"Obviously he is a young player so can still improve and get better," Mascherano said.</p>

<p>"It isn't easy to be playing for the Liverpool first team at just 20. I'm really happy for him.</p>

<p>"Emiliano didn't play first-team football in Argentina, so to come here at such a young age and make the breakthrough is a great achievement.</p>

<p>"It would have been easier for him had he played first-team football in Argentina. Everything was new to Insua when he came here. But after just two years he is playing really well."</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/07/real-madrids-bid-for-xabi-alon.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Andriy Voronin's return apart - it's so far so good for Liverpool FC</title>
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    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153505</id>

    <published>2009-07-02T07:01:21Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-02T06:23:12Z</updated>

    <summary> RAFA BENITEZ must feel like he's found a peseta but lost a pound. No sooner was he celebrating the arrival of Glen Johnson, while admitting he may have paid just a tad over the odds for him because he...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Andy Proudfoot</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="andriyvoronin" label="Andriy Voronin" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="andyproudfoot" label="Andy Proudfoot" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
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        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="voronin.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/voronin.jpg" width="450" height="251" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p>RAFA BENITEZ must feel like he's found a peseta but lost a pound.</p>

<p>No sooner was he celebrating the arrival of Glen Johnson, while admitting he may have paid just a tad over the odds for him because he was English, than he received the devastating news that Andriy Voronin, the 'Bovine Ponytail', plans to return to Anfield from his loan spell at Hair Fair Berlin and "conquer the Premiership".</p>

<p>Assuming that nothing was lost in translation, and that he didn't mean to say he wanted to win the Conker Premiership, at a stroke he knocked about £3m off Rafa's transfer budget.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p><br />
If that was not enough, the news that Fabio Aurelio has been elected life president of the Darren Anderton Society in recognition of his sterling achievement in screwing up his knee playing football with his son will have driven poor Rafa to distraction once the awful consequences dawned upon him.</p>

<p>Yes, Andrea Dossena might now be denied his dream move to Juventus, which most Kopites have been dreaming about also, and bang goes another £6m-odd of transfer funds.</p>

<p>So, despite Rafa's insistence that he can buy one more player without having to raise money from sales, the temptation to cash in on Alonso or Mascherano must have increased given the thinking that threatened the former's tenure last close season.</p>

<p>I've written here before about the importance of retaining the services of these two, and don't intend to repeat myself... oh to hell with it: Rafa, these two must not be sold at any price.</p>

<p>On the brighter side, it's rumoured that Jermaine Pennant is considering crossing Stanley Park to play for Everton. Jermaine, I'll pay your bus fare mate.</p>

<p>Why anyone would consider employing this unproductive, overrated wastrel is beyond me, but it seems there's always someone desperate enough to take a chance on him. </p>

<p>Personally I'd be delighted to see him in a blue shirt, draining their coffers while peppering crosses into St Luke's Church.</p>

<p>So who's on the way in? Fernando Torres helpfully weighed into the debate this week, recommending David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata to Rafa as the type of players we need. </p>

<p>Cheers, Fernando, those three might have slipped our mind if you hadn't jogged our memory. </p>

<p>Have you got a spare £70m on you? </p>

<p>Reality seems to have returned to Fernando's world shortly afterwards, when he conceded that Villa might just be outside of our financial means. </p>

<p>That still leaves the other two though.</p>

<p>Compared to our rivals though, we're doing all right.</p>

<p>Manchester United have replaced the self-proclaimed 'best player in the world' with a pretty average right-winger. </p>

<p>Arsene Wenger still refuses to sign anyone but diminutive central midfield players.</p>

<p>Chelsea continue to be linked with a marquee signing, but look like having to settle for a bell tent in Yuri Zhirkov. </p>

<p>Only Manchester City are making hay, but are they making a team?</p>

<p>Early days I know, but it'll take more than the return of Voronin to dampen my optimism. </p>

<p>For now.</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/07/andriy-voronins-return-apart--.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest LFC news from the Liverpool ECHO</title>
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    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153504</id>

    <published>2009-07-02T06:12:14Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-02T06:19:02Z</updated>

    <summary> Juventus out of the running for Liverpool FC's Xabi Alonso JUVENTUS have ruled themselves out of the running to sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. Fernando Torres: Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez has made me a better player Fernando Torres...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="july2" label="July 2" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolecho" label="Liverpool Echo" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="XabiAlonso_460.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/XabiAlonso_460.jpg" width="460" height="250" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/02/juventus-out-of-the-running-for-liverpool-fc-s-xabi-alonso-92534-24054411/">Juventus out of the running for Liverpool FC's Xabi Alonso</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>JUVENTUS have ruled themselves out of the running to sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/02/fernando-torres-liverpool-fc-boss-rafa-benitez-has-made-me-a-better-player-92534-24055884/">Fernando Torres: Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez has made me a better player</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>Fernando Torres has saluted manager Rafael Benitez for turning him into the most feared striker in the world.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/">Check out the Liverpool Daily Post's LFC section here for all the best LFC news and views</a></em></p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/07/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-46.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Liverpool FC Rumour mill: Liverpool to swoop for £3m South American Striker Radamel Falcao?</title>
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    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153421</id>

    <published>2009-07-01T12:15:04Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-01T14:48:26Z</updated>

    <summary>Press reports suggest that Rafa Benitez may be targeting a late swoop for the highly rated Colombian striking sensation Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate or plain old 'Falcao' as he's usually known. The Liverpool manager will have to move swiftly with...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Columnists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="lfc" label="lfc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rumourmill" label="Rumour mill" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Press reports suggest that Rafa Benitez may be targeting a late swoop for the highly rated Colombian striking sensation Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate or plain old 'Falcao' as he's usually known. The Liverpool manager will have to move swiftly with Benfica strong favourites to sign him for a knockdown £3m fee.</p>

<p>The talented 23-year-old currently plies his trade for River Plate in Argentina but is on his way out of the cash-strapped club who reportedly still owe the player 400,000 euros which has held up his transfer to Portugal.</p>

<p>Falcao recently signed a three-year contract extension with River to ensure the club receive a bigger fee from Benfica. The Lisbon giants were to purchase 80% of Falcao's economic rights but the move has stalled.</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p><br />
Falcao has been linked to the Premier League in the past but a possible move to Martin O'Neill's Villa in the January transfer window failed to materialise as well as summer moves to Arsenal or Manchester United. </p>

<p><a href="http://community.footballpools.com/blog/2009/07/01/radamel-falcao-liverpool-move-for-3m-bargain/">Click here to read more</a> </p>

<p><strong>Juve rule out Alonso move</strong></p>

<p>Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has ruled out a move for Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso.</p>

<p>"We have names for the midfield, but Alonso is not one of them," said the chief.</p>

<p>"I have heard this through the papers. Alonso is a great player, but it's just paper talk.</p>

<p><strong>Liverpool are believed to be monitoring the progress of Argentine starlet Matias De Federico.</strong></p>

<p>The diminutive 19-year-old forward has netted five league goals in 29 appearances for Huracan since making his professional debut in 2007.</p>

<p>But it has been in this year's Clausura championship that the starlet has established himself as a regular alongside fellow prodigy Javier Pastore as Los Quemeros have emerged as surprise table-toppers with one game remaining.</p>

<p>And De Federico - who is thought to be considered the 'New Messi' -  recently impressed national team boss and national icon Diego Maradona on his international debut, netting a spectacular goal in a 3-1 friendly win against Panama.</p>

<p>His form has inevitably led to speculation surrounding his future in South America, with Anfield boss Rafael Benitez believed to be a keen admirer of the teenage talent.</p>

<p>And De Federico has revealed his admiration for the Premier League, adding that his style of play should be highly effective on English shores.</p>

<p>"I like to watch the English Premier League, it is very fast and I think that it would suit my speed well," he said, as reported by Sport.co.uk.</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/07/liverpool-fc-rumour-mill-liver.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest LFC news from the Liverpool ECHO</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/Jz2L59658bY/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-45.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153477</id>

    <published>2009-07-01T10:56:52Z</published>
    <updated>2009-07-01T15:03:02Z</updated>

    <summary> Fernando Torres: I'm in debt to Rafa Benitez FERNANDO TORRES today saluted manager Rafa Benitez for turning him into the most feared striker in the world. Liverpool FC midfield duo Sebastian Leto and Paul Anderson are sold off LIVERPOOL...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="july1" label="July 1" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolecho" label="Liverpool Echo" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="torresbenitez.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/torresbenitez.jpg" width="450" height="350" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/01/fernando-torres-i-m-in-debt-to-rafa-benitez-100252-24041846/">Fernando Torres: I'm in debt to Rafa Benitez</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>FERNANDO TORRES today saluted manager Rafa Benitez for turning him into the most feared striker in the world.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/07/01/liverpool-fc-midfield-duo-sebastian-leto-and-paul-anderson-are-sold-off-100252-24041847/">Liverpool FC midfield duo Sebastian Leto and Paul Anderson are sold off</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL have boosted their coffers with the sale of Sebastian Leto to Panathinaikos and Paul Anderson to Nottingham Forest.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/">* Check out the Liverpool Echo's LFC section here for all the best LFC news and views</a></em></p>]]>
        
    </content>
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<entry>
    <title>Latest LFC news from the Liverpool Daily Post</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/DCt5nEzI7xA/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-44.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153094</id>

    <published>2009-06-30T06:36:24Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-30T06:41:10Z</updated>

    <summary> Fernando Torres: Liverpool FC can compete despite lack of spending power LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres accepts the club's lack of financial muscle means they are unlikely to be able to compete for star signings - but he believes that...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="dailypost" label="Daily Post" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
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    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="torreschelsea09450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/torreschelsea09450.jpg" width="450" height="292" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/30/fernando-torres-liverpool-fc-can-compete-despite-lack-of-spending-power-92534-24020245/">Fernando Torres: Liverpool FC can compete despite lack of spending power</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres accepts the club's lack of financial muscle means they are unlikely to be able to compete for star signings - but he believes that will not affect their chances of winning trophies.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/30/liverpool-fc-midfielder-javier-mascherano-remains-barcelona-target-92534-24020246/">Liverpool FC midfielder Javier Mascherano remains Barcelona target</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>BARCELONA are refusing to admit defeat in their battle to sign Javier Mascherano.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/30/martin-skrtel-backing-glen-johnson-to-be-a-success-at-liverpool-fc-92534-24021798/">Martin Skrtel backing Glen Johnson to be a success at Liverpool FC</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>Martin Skrtel has backed new signing Glen Johnson to succeed at Anfield.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/"><br />
Check out the Liverpool Daily Post's LFC section here for all the best LFC news and views</a></em><br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-44.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Glen Johnson must go on attack to prove his worth at Liverpool FC</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/9qVM82IQMlo/glen-johnson-must-go-on-attack.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.153093</id>

    <published>2009-06-30T06:33:38Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-30T06:35:29Z</updated>

    <summary> GIVEN how much I banged on about Liverpool lacking match-winners last season, I wouldn't have thought spending £17million on a right-back would have been the solution to their problems. But when that right-back is Glen Johnson I happen to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Mark Lawrenson</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Columnists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="glenjohnson" label="Glen Johnson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="marklawrenson" label="mark lawrenson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="johnsongerro450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/johnsongerro450.jpg" width="450" height="270" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p>GIVEN how much I banged on about Liverpool lacking match-winners last season, I wouldn't have thought spending £17million on a right-back would have been the solution to their problems.</p>

<p>But when that right-back is Glen Johnson I happen to think it could be a very sound investment.</p>

<p>Because Johnson is a match-winner. The last time I saw him play was at the end of the campaign when England played Andorra and he set up four of the goals.</p>

<p><br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Now I appreciate the opposition was worse than second rate but it was a performance that summed up what the player is all about.</p>

<p>He gets forward and causes defenders problems - gives them something extra to worry about in their own third of the field - and has the accuracy in his delivery to create goal-scoring opportunities.</p>

<p>And that will be absolutely vital to Liverpool in their attempts to break teams down next season.</p>

<p>This is, of course, only going to come true if Johnson actually plays to the best of his ability but I can't see any reason why he won't.</p>

<p>His confidence should be sky high after a season in which he has made himself England's first-choice right-back.</p>

<p>Ahead of the World Cup next summer, it is his shirt to lose now, and that's a great incentive to take into next season - he should be flying by the time he finally takes to the field in the red of Liverpool.</p>

<p>Another issue surrounding the player would of course be his price tag - but I just don't think defenders have the same pressure to live up to a high price as a forward does.</p>

<p>With centre-forwards it's all about how many goals they get and how they fit in to a system. That's why there was so much scrutiny on Robbie Keane last year and the pressure of trying to fit in around Fernando Torres and also making sure he got his own game right.</p>

<p>Neither happened and the whole transfer saga was quickly consigned to the history books.</p>

<p>But there isn't the same burden on full-backs to fit in to a side. The role is clearly defined and it has also become one of the most valuable positions on the pitch now.</p>

<p>I remember when I became Liverpool's record signing from Brighton in 1981 and the pressure was taken off me by Bob Paisley saying that it was my versatility which made me worth the money in his opinion.</p>

<p>And it's the versatility of the modern full-back that makes one well worth the investment.</p>

<p>They are the people who probably see more of the ball than anyone else on the field and Johnson loves being on the ball.</p>

<p>And the likes of Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt will love that because Johnson's danger will pre-occupy defenders enough to give them more freedom to create.</p>

<p>Yes, there are bound to be questions and raised eyebrows about spending so much money on a right-back.</p>

<p>But if that particular right-back ends up playing his part in a first title-winning campaign for 20 years, then nobody will mention the price again.</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/glen-johnson-must-go-on-attack.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest LFC news from the Liverpool ECHO</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/lglDRuqFFdg/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-43.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.152841</id>

    <published>2009-06-27T09:16:12Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-27T00:19:58Z</updated>

    <summary> Why Glen Johnson can pay Liverpool FC's transfer cash right back LIVERPOOL legend Phil Neal believes Glen Johnson can bring the best out of Fernando Torres after the right-back sealed his record-breaking move to Anfield. Andrea Dossena and Andriy...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="june27" label="June 27" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolecho" label="Liverpool Echo" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="glenjohnsontorres450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/glenjohnsontorres450.jpg" width="450" height="259" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/27/phil-neal-glen-johnson-can-bring-the-best-of-fernando-torres-at-liverpool-fc-100252-23998069/">Why Glen Johnson can pay Liverpool FC's transfer cash right back</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL legend Phil Neal believes Glen Johnson can bring the best out of Fernando Torres after the right-back sealed his record-breaking move to Anfield.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/27/andrea-dossena-and-andriy-voronin-want-to-stay-at-liverpool-fc-100252-23998186/">Andrea Dossena and Andriy Voronin want to stay at Liverpool FC</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>Rafa Benitez's summer transfer plans could be frustrated by players keen to kickstart their stalled Anfield careers.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/27/liverpool-fc-s-martin-skrtel-gets-back-to-work-in-the-gym-100252-23991374/">Liverpool FC's Martin Skrtel gets back to work in the gym</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>MARTIN SKRTEL is seemingly raring to go and can't wait for the new Premier League campaign, according to his official website.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/videos-pictures/pictures-of-liverpool/liverpool-fc-photos/2009/06/23/liverpool-fc-2008-09-the-story-of-the-season-in-pictures-100252-23955085/">VIEW the story of the Reds 2008/09 season in pictures here</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/">Check out the Liverpool ECHO's LFC section here for all the best LFC news and views</a></em></p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-43.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Liverpool FC's Istanbul miracle set to hit the stage</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/AZB7q3Cdn4w/liverpool-fcs-istanbul-miracle.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.152842</id>

    <published>2009-06-27T09:02:42Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-26T18:25:08Z</updated>

    <summary> I MAY not remember many birthdays, anniversaries or even what I did last Thursday for that matter, but one date I will never forget is May 25. Like most Reds that's hands down the best day of the year,...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="istanbul" label="Istanbul" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="nickyallt" label="Nicky Allt" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="onenightinistanbul" label="One Night In Istanbul" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="carragheristanbul.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/carragheristanbul.jpg" width="450" height="306" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p>I MAY not remember many birthdays, anniversaries or even what I did last Thursday for that matter, but one date I will never forget is May 25.</p>

<p>Like most Reds that's hands down the best day of the year, the anniversary of the greatest day of my life.</p>

<p>For the past four years I've celebrated in the same fashion; half a dozen bottles of Efes beer and the DVD of our night in Istanbul.</p>

<p><br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Even now recalling those couple of days makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.</p>

<p>I forced myself to wait an entire year before watching the game again after 2005 and now it's an annual treat that I look forward to in the closing weeks of the season.</p>

<p>"So what if the title has gone and we're not going to be in Rome again, I've got a date with a kebab and my Champions of Europe DVD," that kind of thing.</p>

<p>However, I am hoping to break from tradition next month (if I can get a ticket) and join thousands of other Reds with a pilgrimage to the Empire Theatre.</p>

<p>Big Red Nicky Allt's new play is a celebration of all things Istanbul and hits the stage for a practically sold-out nine-day run from July 9.</p>

<p>"It's hard graft at the minute mate," Nicky said when I called him for a taster yesterday.</p>

<p>"It feels great though. I can't wait to see what Reds fans think."</p>

<p>Based around the greatest final in football history, the tale is centred around two lads and dads and the rest of the travelling Kop hoping to bring Old Big Ears home for good.</p>

<p>Throw in a big bag of money, a sexy chambermaid and Hitler's cufflinks (?) and, as we've come to expect from the writer - who along with Dave Kirkby brought us Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, it's got all the hallmarks of another Scouse comedy classic.</p>

<p>I've also heard unconfirmed whispers the play even features never before seen footage of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez which makes it unmissable for all Reds .</p>

<p>The full details of the script are more closely guarded than Nando's hairdryer but one thing is for sure, finding a ticket come next week is going to be tougher than landing a season ticket on the Kop.</p>

<p>* One Night In Istanbul runs from July 9 to July 18 at the Empire Theatre.</p>

<p>Catch it if you can!</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/liverpool-fcs-istanbul-miracle.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest LFC news from the Liverpool Echo</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/o7BuGc1eJXQ/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-42.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.152763</id>

    <published>2009-06-26T10:54:14Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-26T09:58:51Z</updated>

    <summary> Andriy Voronin's pledge to Liverpool FC fans LIVERPOOL'S on-loan striker, Andriy Voronin, has vowed to come back to Anfield and "conquer" the Premier League next season. The Ukrainian international enjoyed a brief impact at Liverpool after arriving on a...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="andriyvoronin" label="andriy voronin" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="lfc" label="lfc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolecho" label="Liverpool Echo" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="liverpool fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/voronin.jpg"><img alt="voronin.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/assets_c/2009/02/voronin-thumb-450x251.jpg" width="450" height="251" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/26/andriy-voronin-pledges-to-conquer-premier-league-with-liverpool-fc-100252-23987748/">Andriy Voronin's pledge to Liverpool FC fans</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL'S on-loan striker, Andriy Voronin, has vowed to come back to Anfield and "conquer" the Premier League next season.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian international enjoyed a brief impact at Liverpool after arriving on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, but spent the whole of last season on-loan at Hertha Berlin.</p>

<p>After five goals in 19 Liverpool appearances, he struck 11 times in 20 appearances back in the Bundesliga and is determined to be a hit in England.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc"><strong>* For all the latest Liverpool Fc news, visit the Echo's special section</strong></a><br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-lfc-news-from-the-liver-42.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest Liverpool FC news from the Liverpool Daily Post</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/uyZk6t-7EN0/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-17.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.152721</id>

    <published>2009-06-26T08:03:46Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-26T08:09:36Z</updated>

    <summary> RBS outlines support for Liverpool FC owners in letter to fans THE Royal Bank of Scotland has taken the unprecedented step of writing to Liverpool Football Club's supporters to justify its continuing financial support of the club's American co-owners....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="georgegillett" label="george gillett" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="lfc" label="lfc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="liverpool fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="robertkraft" label="Robert Kraft" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="royalbankofscotland" label="Royal Bank of Scotland" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="tomhicks" label="Tom Hicks" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/hicksgillett450.jpg"><img alt="hicksgillett450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/assets_c/2009/06/hicksgillett450-thumb-450x250.jpg" width="450" height="250" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/26/rbs-outlines-support-for-liverpool-fc-owners-in-letter-to-fans-92534-23985498/">RBS outlines support for Liverpool FC owners in letter to fans</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>THE Royal Bank of Scotland has taken the unprecedented step of writing to Liverpool Football Club's supporters to justify its continuing financial support of the club's American co-owners.</p>

<p>The bank has been flooded with emails from Liverpool fans calling for the plug to be pulled on Tom Hicks and George Gillett's £350m debt.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Daily Post reported how discussions on refinancing the loan, ahead of its expiry on July 24, were "progressing well".</p>

<p>The sending of the email is virtual confirmation the loan will be refinanced.</p>

<p><a href="http://blogs.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/dalestreetblues/2009/06/rbs-email-to-liverpool-fc-fans.html">The letter can be read in full on David Bartlett's blog</a></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/26/robert-kraft-i-wanted-to-buy-liverpool-latest-liverpool-fc-news-92534-23985401/">Robert Kraft - I wanted to buy Liverpool FC</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>AMERICAN billionaire Robert Kraft has admitted he would buy Liverpool Football Club "in a minute" - but only if a salary cap was placed on the English Premier League.</p>

<p>The US businessman also claimed that he came "very close" to buying Liverpool in 2005, but was ultimately put off by the absence of a cap on players' wages.</p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-17.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>A new Managing Director and Glen Johnson's arrival confirmed - but who will depart?</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/hmolm9HL2To/a-new-managing-director-and-gl.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.152013</id>

    <published>2009-06-24T11:38:27Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-24T11:55:27Z</updated>

    <summary> So it looks like Rafa has made his first major signing of the summer. Glen Johnson looks to be arriving for £17m. Johnson is a good player, an England international, good going forward and will add a lot to...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Larry Moran</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Fans" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="alonso" label="Alonso" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="christianpurslow" label="Christian Purslow" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="glenjohnson" label="Glen Johnson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="hicksandgillett" label="Hicks and Gillett" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="larrymoran" label="Larry Moran" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="mascherano" label="Mascherano" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="purslow450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/purslow450.jpg" width="450" height="278" class="mt-image-none" style="" /></span></p>

<p>So it looks like Rafa has made his first major signing of the summer. Glen Johnson looks to be arriving for £17m. Johnson is a good player, an England international, good going forward and will add a lot to the team. As soon as his signing is announced however, Rafa has to defend his decision to pay so much for a full-back. Amazing, it seems whatever Benitez does in the transfer market attracts criticism.</p>

<p>UEFA's daft squad selection rules mean that all clubs are looking to sign good, young English players, so obviously the price goes up. I am sure if Chelsea had managed to re-sign Johnson, the press would have saluted "Carlo Ancelotti's transfer shrewdness". Benitez gets asked if he paid over the odds.</p>

<p>Anyway, it's been a week of more developments both on and off the pitch at Anfield. My mate called me to discuss Life, The Universe and Everything - LFC essentially - and told me of the arrival of our new managing director, Christian Purslow. He asked me if I knew anything about him, when I said no, he suggested that "he sounds like a character out of Last of the Summer Wine".<br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>That would probably be a good thing as he'll be working closely with our very own Compo and Glegg, Hicks and Gillett.</p>

<p>The news that the Royal Bank of Scotland seems to have agreed the re-financing of Hicks' and Gillett's loans was not greeted with widespread joy, dancing and merrymaking  in the streets of Liverpool 4.</p>

<p>With George Gillett selling off his assets on the other side of the pond for a reported £300m plus, it seems the Americans are determined to settle down for a longer stay than the majority of the supporters will be comfortable with.</p>

<p>There were some press reports a few weeks ago that suggested Hicks and Gillett were privately expressing regret that they had loaded debt on to the club itself and regrets that they had not got on with building the new stadium.</p>

<p>I think we all share similar regrets chaps.</p>

<p>Anyway, joking aside, it seems Mr.Purslow may well add a lot to the management and direction of the club, both immediately and in the longer term.</p>

<p>His CV is impressive to say the least. A Liverpool fan (important) but also hugely experienced at the top levels of business and finance. A fluent Spanish speaker and a Harvard MBA, he has experience in the media, cable and entertainment markets and also in the business of private equity.</p>

<p>To say he looks the right man for the job is an understatement. Welcome to LFC Mr.Purslow, it looks like you have a big task ahead.</p>

<p>Back to matters on the field, the rumours of the possible departures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano won't go away. </p>

<p>In truth, if they do want to go then let's get on with it. Weeks of will they, won't they, does nobody any good and as far as the supporters are concerned we only want players who want to wear the shirt. </p>

<p>Alonso's gripe about the effect on his wages due to the weakness of the Pound against the Euro rubs people up the wrong way. </p>

<p>Those fortunate enough to have season tickets have just sent in the annual payment and we approach another season of expense following the team. Xabi is a wealthy man and 30% off his substantial wages due to currency fluctuations still leaves him a wealthy man.</p>

<p>Similarly there are rumours involving Mascherano suggesting that his wife has not settled in England, wants to live in a warmer climate etc etc. </p>

<p>I don't remember any reports like that when he couldn't get a game for West Ham?</p>

<p>They are both excellent, world-class players and we will be weaker if they do leave but as I said earlier, we only want players who actually want to wear the shirt.</p>

<p>When a supporter kisses the badge you can be sure they mean it. When a player does you have to wonder.</p>

<p>We still need to strengthen the squad before the new season starts and both Rafa and our new MD have got to find a way to do it. I wish them luck.</p>

<p> Both in finding the right players to add to the squad and in retaining our best.<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/a-new-managing-director-and-gl.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest Liverpool FC news from the Daily Post</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/kvFePr0d3nA/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-16.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.151947</id>

    <published>2009-06-24T08:22:51Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-24T09:14:07Z</updated>

    <summary> Bank deal 'close' on £350m Liverpool FC debt LIVERPOOL FC's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were last night closing in on a deal to re- finance their £350m club debt. Javier Mascherano 'flattered' by Barcelona interest: Liverpool FC...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
    <category term="barcelona" label="barcelona" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="fernandotorres" label="fernando torres" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="javiermascherano" label="javier mascherano" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpoolfc" label="liverpool fc" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/assets_c/2008/03/zz15251108.html" onclick="window.open('http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/assets_c/2008/03/zz15251108.html','popup','width=250,height=485,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/assets_c/2008/03/zz15251108-thumb-250x485.jpg" width="250" height="485" alt="Javier.jpg" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/24/bank-deal-close-on-350m-liverpool-fc-debt-92534-23960810/"><u>Bank deal 'close' on £350m Liverpool FC debt</a></strong><u></u><br />
LIVERPOOL FC's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were last night closing in on a deal to re- finance their £350m club debt.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/24/javier-mascherano-flattered-by-barcelona-interest-liverpool-fc-latest-92534-23960482/"><u>Javier Mascherano 'flattered' by Barcelona interest: Liverpool FC</a></strong><u></u><br />
ANFIELD alarm bells were ringing again last night, after Javier Mascherano admitted he was "flattered" by reports linking him with a summer move to Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/24/red-watch-rafael-benitez-s-exercises-control-over-playing-as-anfield-staff-changes-92534-23960513/"><u>RED WATCH: Rafael Benitez's exercises control over playing as Anfield staff changed</a></strong><u></u><br />
THERE have been so many personnel changes at Anfield recently that I advise you to check you haven't been replaced before you turn up next season.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/24/fernando-torres-has-no-fears-of-burn-out-despite-confederations-cup-success-liverpool-fc-latest-92534-23962543/"><u>Fernando Torres has no fears of burn-out despite Confederations Cup success: Liverpool FC latest</a></strong><u></u><br />
FERNANDO TORRES has reassured Liverpool fans he has no fears about suffering burn- out next season - despite a gruelling summer schedule which will see him take just a three week break from football in almost 12 months.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/">* FOR plenty more LFC coverage, including pre-Arsenal video with Sammy Lee and Arsene Wenger, visit the Liverpool Daily Post's LFC channel here</a></p>]]>
        
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-16.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Why I had to splash out on Glen Johnson - Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/CTNeKRS3yPU/why-i-had-to-splash-out-on-gle.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.151822</id>

    <published>2009-06-23T10:50:25Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-23T10:52:24Z</updated>

    <summary> LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez admitted today that his £17m capture of Glen Johnson was more than he wanted to spend on a full-back. But he also revealed that the huge outlay does not signal the end of his summer...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="glenjohnson" label="Glen Johnson" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="rafabenitez" label="Rafa Benitez" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="johnsongerro450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/johnsongerro450.jpg" width="450" height="270" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez admitted today that his £17m capture of Glen Johnson was more than he wanted to spend on a full-back.</p>

<p>But he also revealed that the huge outlay does not signal the end of his summer spending.</p>

<p>With Chelsea also willing to pay Portsmouth's asking price for the England defender, Benitez admitted: "Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more.<br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>"You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.</p>

<p>"We were looking for a player of quality and also somebody who is British because of the new Champions League rules.</p>

<p>"Glen Johnson fits both categories."</p>

<p>The player has agreed a deal with the Reds and is expected to formally put pen to paper in the next 48 hours.</p>

<p>And he may not be the last new face at Anfield this summer.</p>

<p>"We have a plan," added Benitez. "We can sign one more player if necessary, but that's without any players leaving."</p>

<p>Benitez is bracing himself for a bid from Real Madrid for Alvaro Arbeloa. but he is also concerned by the increasing speculation surrounding midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.</p>

<p>The Reds boss has made it clear that he would not welcome bids for either player, but while Real have publicly stated their interest in Alonso has ended, Barcelona are refusing to give up on Mascherano despite Benitez's very firm hands-off warning.</p>

<p>First to leave, however, could be Arbeloa.</p>

<p>"Alvaro Arbeloa has had a very good season but he has one year left on his contract," said the Reds boss. "If he signs that will be good because we will have more competition, but if we get a good offer we will have to consider it."</p>

<p>Benitez is also hoping that on-loan players Sebastien Leto and Andriy Voronin could bring in more transfer funds, while a return to Italy for Andrea Dossena is also on the cards.</p>

<p>The Reds also completed the signing of two junior players yesterday.</p>

<p>Spanish press reported the signing of 15-year-old Jesus Joaquin Fernandez from Cadiz.</p>

<p>The Reds are said to have beaten off competition from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal for the midfielder's services.</p>

<p>Liverpool have also sealed the signing of teenage striker Aaron King from Rushden and Diamonds.</p>

<p>King, 16, impressed during a recent trial period at Anfield and has now signed a two-year scholarship agreement.</p>

<p>"We are all absolutely thrilled for Aaron - this is a brilliant achievement for everyone involved in his development throughout the five years that he has been with us," Rushden's head of youth development Paul Driver said.<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/why-i-had-to-splash-out-on-gle.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

<entry>
    <title>Latest Liverpool FC news from the Daily Post</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LiverpoolBanter/~3/sricGJQgu5U/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-15.html" />
    <id>tag:www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk,2009://22.151818</id>

    <published>2009-06-23T07:32:35Z</published>
    <updated>2009-06-23T10:49:09Z</updated>

    <summary> Liverpool FC announce Christian Purslow as new MD LIVERPOOL yesterday appointed a new man to run the club following the resignation of long serving chief executive Rick Parry this summer. Glen Johnson set to seal move to Liverpool FC...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Administrator</name>
        
    </author>
    
        <category term="Journalists" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="june23" label="June 23" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="liverpooldailypost" label="Liverpool Daily Post" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/">
        <![CDATA[<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="purslow450.jpg" src="http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/purslow450.jpg" width="450" height="278" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/23/liverpool-fc-announce-christian-purslow-as-new-md-92534-23947608/">Liverpool FC announce Christian Purslow as new MD</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL yesterday appointed a new man to run the club following the resignation of long serving chief executive Rick Parry this summer.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/23/glen-johnson-set-to-seal-move-to-liverpool-fc-92534-23947195/">Glen Johnson set to seal move to Liverpool FC</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL will sign Glen Johnson after the club confirmed they had agreed a deal with Portsmouth to bring the England right-back to Anfield.</p>

<p><u><strong><big><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/06/23/liverpool-fc-community-programme-awarded-national-standard-of-excellence-92534-23949278/">Liverpool FC community programme awarded national standard of excellence</a></big></strong></u></p>

<p>LIVERPOOL Football Club's investment in the local community has been awarded the national standard of excellence.</p>

<p><em><a href="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/">* Check out the Daily Post's Liverpool FC section for all the best blues news, views & comment in the close season</a></em></p>

<p><br />
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    </content>
<feedburner:origLink>http://www.liverpoolbanter.co.uk/2009/06/latest-liverpool-fc-news-from-15.html</feedburner:origLink></entry>

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