Liverpool Rumours Archive August 21 2014

21 Aug 2014 17:48:37
Who's signing was this? You seem to drop hints that it wasn't brendan

{Ed002's Note - It has been suggested by a couple of well placed folks in Italy that Balotelli was not Brendan Rodgers' choice - however, I am sure he would still need to agree to it.}

Thanks for the reply ed! Much appreciated:)

I'd probably go with it 'maybe' not being his first choice. No way he didn't ok it.

Sturridge and coutinho weren't brendans choice either, but he still had to agree to it. thank god we got a transfer committee, we'd have bony instead of balotelli if it was only up to rodgers.

Would make sense considering Rodgers' statements a few weeks ago regarding Balo. Perhaps the relatively low transfer fee coupled with the fact that Rodgers can't get his #1 target (I'd assume Falcao) may have changed things?

Is there any chance that Brendan's comments before re Balotelli was because he was looked at and rejected because of price or other factors.

And only after that did other things happen which meant that Mario could once again be considered as an option.

Wishful thinking I know, but maybe it was just bad timing.

{Ed002's Note - No, it was foot related again.}

I thought as much Ed. A big gamble so I can see why Brendan isn't so keen on Mario but now he has to deal with it. Well he and Dr Peters I suppose.

Ed. Classic. You love Rodgers press comments, you have to admit you smile each time your palm slaps against your forehead

Do you have any particular fave cringe moments from the lips of Brenden?

22 Aug 2014 06:51:56
The problem being that if BR is not 100% behind the transfer, then Mario will be sitting on the bench and becoming ever more sulky with the end result being the tears oft mentioned by Ed002. Balotelli doesn't strike me as the sort that will be intimidated into playing for his spot at all.

22 Aug 2014 06:54:30
So if not Brendan's choice then who? Care to share Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has a grpo0up of people who deal with transfers.}

It might be a good sign then him not being Brendon's choice, most of his have flopped. Still love you though Brendon.

22 Aug 2014 11:43:54
Who within the club would have the ability to sanction a move for balotelli if it was not Brendan Rogers ,,,or at least push it to the stage that it would only need Brs agreement.

{Ed002's Note - Liverpool has a transfer committee.}

21 Aug 2014 16:27:34
Now that we have Balotelli, does that mean that we are out of the running for Falcao?

Also, I know Borini is deciding on Sunderland, but if he decides to stay, do you think he will be given a chance?

{Ed002's Note - I think a deal can be Borini to Inter.}

Would Inter have the kind of money Sunderland were ready to offer for Borini?

{Ed002's Note - I really would not get wrapped up in the finances. Inter are still looking to do some transfer business (in and out) with Fredy Guarin moving on. Firmino is their primary target but the feeling is that Borini and Lucas Silva are players they could still bring. It would be fair that the push for Inter is from Borini and De Marchi (who had no problems sharing that information).}

21 Aug 2014 17:33:53
Borini to Inter? Wow didn't see that coming Ed. Sunderland out the frame now then?

{Ed002's Note - Sunderland would like Borini but are looking elsewhere as I suspect Borini does not want to return there.}

Would they be able to offer a similar amount to Sunderland Ed? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

21 Aug 2014 12:51:24
Most of the reliable journalists ie Tony Barrett and James Pearce are stating the balotelli fee has been agreed. Is this true eds?

{Ed002's Note - I don't know but I see no reason why not. His agent is off trying to get another deal completed right now so perhaps everything is done.}

21 Aug 2014 13:33:42
Another deal for Balotelli, or another deal for another player he is representing?

{Ed002's Note - Another player and I understand that is now donere.}

I have just read that balotelli himself has confirmed he is going to Liverpool

Who's the other player? Pogba?

{Ed002's Note - Manolas.}

Would that player be Assaidi?

{Ed002's Note - Why would he have anything to do with Assaidi?}

Would the other deal be Cavani to Chelsea in your opinion?

{Ed002's Note - Why would he have any involvement with Cavani?}

Sounds like his agent is having a good (pay)day then. Good for him, I suppose.

21 Aug 2014 16:57:05
Sorry Ed002 I know it's the wrong page and all but is that other deal Raiola is trying to sort out to do with Pogba?

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

21 Aug 2014 17:45:23
That Manolas deal to Arsenal Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Yes.}

I thought he represented Sergio Romero aswell? and was under the impression he was going to be working on getting him to Liverpool too?

anyway hopefully we can close out that manolas deal.

{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with Liverpool.}

21 Aug 2014 11:05:11
Hi EDs,

I am just curious as to why AC Milan and AS Monaco are prepared to let their "star strikers", Balotelli and Falcao leave?

Cheers,
Liam

{Ed002's Note - Players are simply transient members of a staff. Balotelli has played up a lot over the past year in Milan and they are sick of him. Hence the efforts to sell him this summer. Monaco cannot keep players happy easily from a footballing position. They have a wonderful stadium but few locals have any interest in the game so it is not unusual to only have 5,000 turn up to matches. Players can sort of get lost there from an international perspective. Falcao wants his Madrid move and has made no secret of it.}

21 Aug 2014 13:06:33
Thanks for the reply ED.

Balotelli still hasn't learnt to keep a low profile and get on with his football it seems?!

I suppose we will have to see if BR can handle him if he signs then!

21 Aug 2014 09:57:41
Ballotelli deal done according to Milan channel

{Ed002's Note - They are wrong - it is not done just yet. Mino Raiola has a little trick up his sleeve still.}

What's he up to now? Those agents are a pain

{Ed002's Note - Whilst Liverpool were trying to agree a loan that Milan did not want yesterday, approaches were made to both Chelsea and Arsenal about selling the player to them. I suspect that Liverpool will be able to agree a deal but they will be choking at the fees.

I assume there will be a delay as Rodgers prepares his statement rescinding his categorical denial that Liverpool would be buying Balotelli to say he was always the primary target of the club. "I was always attracted by his haircuts". As long as he avoids mentioning the word "transition" he should be just fine.}

And what might that trick be?

{Ed002's Note - See above.}

Well let's hope Raiola has long sleeves and his "trick" is making Mario disappear!

No one can argue that Ballotelli isn't a great player when his head is "right" but gee the man comes with some heft baggage, whilst I obviously don't know him judging from afar the man appears to be a complete - "shed head".

If he joins, and it looks like he may, then I hope Rodgers has been brushing up on his man management skills because he is going to need them. Hopefully he can show Mario "da love", and keep him on song, because if he has doesn't he (Mario) just might become a "wrecking ball".

21 Aug 2014 10:30:20
He is just making him self look daft ain't he by going back on his word. Suppose he will get over it though.

Did they say it is done? I thought they just siad they are in talks but my Italian is quite poor

Hi Ed, By getting other clubs interested does this raise the fees, or are these already there? It does seem that Liverpool pay a lot of high fees!
To be fair on Rodgers he won't be the only manager who has said this sort of thing(or player to be fair) If the latest rumour is true about Torres moving is true Mourinho will be guilty of similar!

{Ed002's Note - MR is only interested in one thing - world domination. Mourinho is toying with people constantly, don't believe anything he says like that. He knows what he is doing. Rodgers has no idea what he is doing and has repeatedly erred when speaking.}

21 Aug 2014 10:19:27
What trick is that Ed please, or can you not say at this stage?

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

Do you rate him as a coach though ed?

{Ed002's Note - He is a good coach and did very well with the youngsters (academy and then the reserves) when he was at Chelsea. He was liked and respected by Mourinho and Avram Grant and all of the other staff as I recall. Reading was a bit of a disaster for him but he did very well with Swansea. There have been some odd things in his coaching methods, not least the "six seconds of panic" as one ex-player called it. This is where the players are instructed to chase after a lost ball.}

I don't really care if Rodgers makes himself look foolish. If he gets a player he thinks will improve the team at a price the bean counters are happy with then why does it matter?

Managers don't look foolish when holding a trophy. I can only assume that he doesn't care if he looks stupid, he believes in himself, and the job he is doing.

Ferguson regularly made comments that made himself look stupid, some of them tactical and measured some of them just plain personic (anyone remember when Van Persie nearly died from football to the head?)

Personally I don't care what the manager says if we end up winning things.

Cheers all

Thanks Ed. I feel I need hardly ask your opinions on the wisdom of any club paying large fees to obtain the services of the very unpredictable mr balotelli, especially given the challenges of ffp and the need to avoid wasting money- but I would be interested in your views on this potential new signing?
I think br will probably feel that he is the one who can do what others before him have failed to do, and bring out consistently good performances from the player.
Personally, I think it is verging on irresponsible to expend such major financial resources on such a high-risk investment.

{Ed002's Note - Balotelli is a very good player - however I am far from convinced he is what Liverpool need. But then again I am not convinced at all now that the players that have arrived this summer are all what Liverpool need. It is clear that Rodgers has been the proverbial kid in the candy store with his pocket money. I said before that if Rodgers buys simply for the sake of it or simply to give the fans the "marquee" player they desire, then it may well end in tears. I will stand by that.}

I'm sorry Ed, but Jose has made himself look silly plenty of times. I guess he was just toying when he ended up lower than Liverpool last season?

{Ed002's Note - What sort of idiot are you? A simple thread about Balotelli and you want to bring the Chelsea manager in to it. You are making the Liverpool fans look pretty "silly" with this obsession.}

21 Aug 2014 11:41:50
Does that trick involve getting himself a lot of money from LFC Ed002?

{Ed002's Note - This is one for record breaking payments to agents, representatives, super agents et al.}

21 Aug 2014 11:43:16
I really doubt Chelsea or Arsenal would want Balotelli though, what do you think Ed002?

Im not surprised BR likes his haircut as he sure did like Sakho's haircut, they're kinda like twins.

{Ed002's Note - There were lengthy discussions with Arsenal in Brazil but M Wenger baulked at the full financial implications of buying the player. Not so much the transfer fee, but the add ons, wages, and agent fees. Chelsea are in the midst of a deal for another striker so I cannot image would be interested. Monaco were a club who did express an interest and there were also efforts to sell him to PSG.}

21 Aug 2014 11:44:51
Ed002, Don't you think A permenant transfer would be a huge risk?

{Ed002's Note - My understanding is that a loan is not an option. Milan want him sold on a permanent basis and are looking to use the money to help fund his replacement.}

21 Aug 2014 11:45:29
lol Ed002 what's your honest take on this proposed move, I know you rightly feel we stocking up debt but purely on the base of tactics, do you see this as viable move for us?

{Ed002's Note - I have no doubt that Balotelli is a very good player and he does come with some baggage of course, but I am serious when I say he is not, in my view, what Liverpool need. However, Brendan Rodgers may well be adapting to playing a different way this season and perhaps he will slot right in. I will re-iterate that if Rodgers is simply buying for the sake of it or trying to appease the fans with a"marquee" signing, then it may not go as well as expected. Perhaps someone should go to the Teams and Formations page and start seeing how these players will fit in - pretty much all of the new players will be looking for game time.}

I think you are right Eds but I also think you give too much credit to Mourinho. Yes he is bright and like you said will toy with people but he isn't so smart that other managers don't see it and of course he does cry like a baby sometimes when things don't go his way, or when a team beats his. Finger in the eye anyone?

{Ed002's Note - His finger was unhurt.}

Thanks for giving your views Ed. Much appreciated.

HI Ed can you put up a link to the Teams and Formations page. will appreciate it mate .

{Ed002's Note - http://www.liverpool-rumours.co.uk/wishlists.php }

I disagree that Rodgers is just buying for the sake of buying. We needed to strengthen defense, we strengthened defense. A major complaint last season was the lack of depth, he has addressed that. Another complaint leveled our way was that if plan A is not working we have no other ways to break down opposition defenses, we now have Markovich, Lallana, and Lambert to turn to if Sterling, Coutinho, Sturridge isn't working (Or any other combination you want to look at). We need to start looking for a replacement for Stevie G, which Can could be plus Lucas may be on his way out. Yes all the players will want games but they will have to earn them. What would be the point in just signing players who would be happy to just sit on the bench. Or players who wouldn't be good enough should they be called on. Having said all that I don't actually see the reasons behind Balotelli. But that's just my opinion.

21 Aug 2014 17:03:18
thanks mil for the response Ed002, much appreciated

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

I have been shakin my head.

But then it dawned on me. Most of the players we have and have bought over the summer, seems to have 1 thing in common: You know what you are going to get from them. Balloteli is un predictable. Maybe just maybe is he the missing piece

"His finger was unhurt." Megalol! Had me in stitches.

21 Aug 2014 09:32:49
BBC are reporting ongoing talks between Liverpool and AC Milan over the permanent transfer of Mario Balotelli.

21 Aug 2014 10:00:02
No we have moved for balotelli would you say the falcoa deal is dead?

{Ed002's Note - What Falcao deal is that?}

21 Aug 2014 01:13:01
It is my understanding that Liverpool Football Club approached Milan yesterday regarding the possibility of taking Mario Balotelli on loan, which was knocked back. However, talks then progressed onto a potential transfer for balotelli which Milan were more than happy to discuss, talks are still at early stages, but my understanding is that Mario would be interested in a move but the only stumbling block could be wages as LFC may not be able to offer his demands.

Falcao is out of the picture and Liverpool have ended interest in the striker due to wage demands. If a deal fails to bring Balotelli to Anfield, Rodgers will turn his attention back to Wilfreid Bony.

20 Aug 2014 22:11:46
Eds does Liverpool hold any interest in seydou doumbia

{Ed001's Note - not as far as I know. There are too many doubts surrounding him to make his price and wages seem a good risk.}

21 Aug 2014 07:35:09
it is suggested that his listed age is sketchy lol don't see any 1 really keen on him

He got his birth certificate off Sammy Eto'o. Got to be in his thirties. Not saying he's too old (I'm old) or rubbish its just too risky. Although Balotelli is the definition of risky so what do I know.