News

30 MAY 2002

Nice Relegated

Nice, who were promotion to the French first division last month, have
been relegated to Division Three after failing to provide financial guarantees
for the upcoming season.

Milan Trade Coco For Seedorf

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani confirmed that Milan and have arranged
to trade defender Francesco Coco to Inter in exchange for Dutch midfielder
Clarence Seedorf. The players have yet to agree personal terms and it's
thought that Seedorf isn't keen on leaving Inter.

29 MAY 2002

Nesta For Sale - €58 Million

"Anyone who wants Nesta must come to us with €58 million. Right now
several clubs are interested but we will set the price and we will be in charge
of the negotiations." - Lazio General Director Massimo Cragnotti

Blatter Re-Elected

Despite accusations of corruption, the collapse of FIFA's marketing partner
ISL and a refusal to publish FIFA's accounts Sepp 'the inept' Blatter has been
re-elected president of FIFA after defeating Cameroon's Issa Hayatou by
139 votes to 56.

Senegal Player Caught Shoplifting

Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga was arrested on Tuesday by South
Korean police for stealing a gold necklace from a shop. He is still expected
play in Friday's opening match against holders France.

Maradona Annoyed At World Cup Snub

Diego Maradona's response to being denied entry to Japan because of his
criminal record for cocaine abuse :

"I did not kill anybody and I respect Japanese laws. I did not throw any
nuclear bombs at them. If they want to safeguard their country the Japanese
would not have allowed any of the United States players in the country."

Maccarone Not Ready For England

"It is too soon to go to England. I would even play in Serie A as a fourth
striker. In England it would be more difficult for a thousand reasons and
I don't think I am ready for that." - Massimo Maccarone

Totti Confident

"There are a few journalists that are rather sceptical of our chances but I
remain convinced that this side can go all the way as we did at Euro 2000.
I think we will definitely be in the last four." - Francesco Totti

28 MAY 2002

Zidane And Inzaghi Latest Casualties

Zinedine Zidane and Filippo Inzaghi have become the latest star players to
suffer injury ahead of the World Cup finals. Zidane has a small muscle tear
in his left thigh and the FFF (France Football Federation) expect him to miss
the teams first two matches against Senegal and Uruguay however Zidane
is confident he will be back in time to face Uruguay.

Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi left the pitch with a knee injury during a warm up
match on Sunday and will need between 7-10 days to recover ruling him out
of the team's opening match against Ecuador.

24 MAY 2002

What Keane Said To McCarthy

Several English newspapers have reported that Roy Keane said the following
to Ireland coach Mick McCarthy, which in turn lead to him being kicked out of
the Ireland squad :

"Who the f*** do you think you are, having meetings about me? You were a
crap player, you are a crap manager. The only reason I have any dealings
with you is that somehow you are manager of my country and you're not
even Irish, you English c***. You can stick it up your bollocks."

Deisler Out For 6 Months

Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler will be out for six months following
knee surgery.

Lotina New Celta Vigo Coach

Miguel Angel Lotina is the new coach of Celta Vigo. Lotina was previously at
Osasuna

23 MAY 2002

Roy Keane Sent Home

Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has kicked captain Roy Keane out of his World
Cup squad after the player complained of the poor training facilities and
said in a press conference that he "did not get on with one or two of the
coaching staff" i.e. Mick McCarthy and his assistant Ian Evans. Keane
walked out on the team on Wednesday but was persuaded to stay by the
Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

McCarthy said :

"There has been an uneasy feeling around the place for a few days. I was
asked today for my comments about remarks he made in a newspaper article
and I don't want to be doing that throughout the World Cup because doing tit
for tat in the media is not my way."

"I called a meeting at 7.30pm (1030am British time). I got everyone together
because I felt it was important to air any grievances among the players or
staff. I asked anybody to make their comments and unfortunately it became
a slanging match. I cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that
level of abuse being thrown at me so I sent him home."

"He is one of the best players in the world but he is a disruptive influence.
I asked him as captain to give his opinions and I was prepared to be
reasonable and rational. I know this is one of the biggest stories of the
World Cup and it is my decision and I stand by it 100%. You don't see too
complaints from anyone else here. But sometimes Roy sees the world
through his eyes only."

"All the players here have a had a great time relaxing but maybe Roy has
missed the point. This is a weight off my mind. I came here to enjoy the
World Cup and I was stopping enjoying it. But from tomorrow I am going to
start enjoying it again. As a player, a coach, and a person I will not tolerate
the things he said to me. This is a huge decision but I am happy to go to the
World Cup one man down rather than with a man who shows utter disregard
and disrespect for me."

Ireland's senior players backed their coach :

"I've known Roy a long time and this is astonishing, there is no doubt about
that. I've been around a long time and seen various things and there is only
one way forward. I'll say goodbye to Roy and wish him well for the rest of his
career but my priority now is to show complete allegiance to Mick and the
squad." - Niall Quinn

"Roy has said that a lot of players weren't brave enough to go to the papers
and say it. We all say that the pitch is crap when it is, wherever we've gone
around the world, but I don't think it is brave running to the papers and
talking about it. Some people call it bravery, other people call it
disruptiveness." - Steve Staunton

"We are 110 percent in support of Mick. Roy has let himself down with the
things he has said. They shouldn't be said and I've never witnessed
anything like it but we have to move on .There's 22 in the squad now and
we'll show great character. Some times you have arguments in football and
I had one with Roy the other day but there's a line you cannot walk over
and that line was breached by Roy today and that's why I'm here to show
my support for Mick." - Alan Kelly

"Roy's made a mistake and has got to live with the consequences. He's got
to face the anger of the fans. This has spoilt the good times for the fans
and I'm very unhappy it's had to happen now. I think when Roy sits down
and thinks about what he's done he will have a few regrets. You don't walk
out on a World Cup. He's one of the best players in the world and he should
be at the finals. He had his complaints about their preparations but that
has nothing to do with the players." - Former Ireland coach Jack Charlton

Buffon and Maldini Complain About Fevernova

Italy captain Paolo Maldini and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon have complained
about the official World Cup ball, the Adidas Fevernova :

"It seems like a crazy bouncing ball, the kind we played with as little kids
(fly-aways as we call them!). We will need 10 to 15 days to get used to it."
Gianluigi Buffon

"It's a strange ball, it bounced back off your feet." - Paolo Maldini

FIFA and/or Adidas have, as usual, decided that a good time to introduce
a new football would be on the eve of a World Cup finals competition.

Dalla Bona Transfer Listed

"In view of the fact that Sam Dalla Bona has refused to sign an extension to
his current contract, stating that he wants to be near his family in Italy, he
has now played his last game for Chelsea. He has officially been placed on
the transfer list with immediate effect. One Italian club is interested in
buying Dalla Bona but they are trying to off-load an over-aged, over-paid
player in part exchange. We are not interested in part exchange and will
only accept a cash payment. In the event that no offers are made, he will
see out his contract in the reserves." - Statement from Chelsea football club

Baresi Signs One Year Contract At Fulham

Milan legend Franco Baresi has signed a one year contract as technical director
at Fulham football club. His main duties will be scouting and recruiting of
players :

"I cannot believe that I am leaving AC Milan after so long. (Mohamed)
Al Fayed's programme, serious and ambitious, has convinced me."

England's Midfield Nightmare Continues

Danny Murphy, a replacement for injured Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard,
is now doubtful for the World Cup after injuring a foot in training. England now
have only three from a possible seven midfielders fit - Paul Scholes, Owen
Hargreaves and Joe Cole. David Beckham and Nicky Butt are expected to
recover in time for the opening match against Sweden. Doubts remain over
Keiron Dyer and Danny Murphy.

Bowyer Transfer Listed

"Leeds United today announce that Lee Bowyer has made the decision to turn
down a new five-year contract. Lee's accountant David Geiss has informed us
that the terms of the contract are not the issue but that Lee has made the
career decision to move on. With Lee having one year remaining on his current
agreement the club has no alternative but to place him on the transfer list with
immediate effect." - Leeds Chairman Peter Ridsdale

Arsenal and Liverpool are favourites for the midfielders signature.

Furious Nesta Set To Leave Lazio

"Lazio say I am not for sale? They're living in a fantasy land.", "Now I am in
Japan everyone else is discussing my future without telling me anything.
Never mind. Now I do not talk about Lazio, but of Italy, Brazil, Germany and
France." - Allesandro Nesta

Galliani - We Don't Need Defenders

In crushing news to Milan supporters the clubs vice president, Adriano Galliani,
ruled out a move for Parma's Fabio Cannavaro and also denied the need to
re-enforce the teams pathetic defence :

"He is much too expensive for us. Juve are richer than us and have a good
budget. We already have Paolo Maldini, Jose Chamot, Roque Junior and Martin
Laursen, all of whom will be at the World Cup. I don't think Milan need to buy
defenders."

22 MAY 2002

Roma Sign Guardiola, Davids and Cisse Next?

After signing Spanish midfielder Josep Guardiola, who, for some reason, was
also being chased by Juventus, Roma are determined to bring Edgar Davids
to the Olimpico. Juventus are demanding €37 million for the Dutch midfielder
but Roma are only willing to pay half that amount. Roma claim to have agreed
terms with the player which is surprising given how quickly he was given the
boot at Milan by Fabio Capello, now in charge at Roma. Club president
Franco Sensi have also drew up a shortlist of strikers as a replacement for the
ageing Gabriel Batistuta :

"We are always vigilant on the transfer market and are keeping our eye on
different strikers. They are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Djibril Cisse and Adriano."

Real's Lame Excuse For Not Signing Vieira and Shevchenko?

Real Madrid director of football Jorge Valdano has seeming ruled out moves for
Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira :

"Vieira and Shevchenko, although good players, do not have the sporting or
image repercussion that Figo and Zidane had. Players like Zidane and Figo
are difficult to find in the world."

Sounds to me like Real don't want to spend the money.

Baresi Leaves Milan for Fulham!

Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi has ended a life-long association with
the club by agreeing to join Mohamed Al Fayed's Fulham as director of football.

Cryuff Predicts Disaster For Barca

"Van Gaal's return to the club is a mistake. It's a very dangerous decision for
everyone, including himself." - Johan Cryuff

Bonera Hit With Four Match Ban

Daniele Bonera has been hit with a four match ban after being sent off during
Italy's U-21 match against England on Tuesday. Bonera was sent off for an off
the ball incident with Sean Davis. England's Alan Smith, who was also involved
in an off the ball incident which was the only thing missed by the otherwise
outstanding Iturralde Gonzalez Eduardo, has escaped punishment.

New Coaches For Santos & Lyon

Emerson Leao will take over as coach of Santos at the end of the month.
Leao had a disastrous spell in charge of Brazil and was sacked or quit
depending on who you believe after last years Confederations Cup
appearance.

Paul Le Guen has been appointed new coach of Lyon.

21 MAY 2002

Deisler Out Of The World Cup

Germany's injury prone midfielder, Sebastian Deisler, is out of the World Cup
after re-injuring a knee during Saturday's 6-2 friendly victory over Austria.
Deisler had missed six months of the season following knee surgery then
missed another month with a leg muscle injury.

"I'm incredibly disappointed that I won't be at the World Cup but there's
nothing I can do about it. I wish the team a good and successful World Cup."
Sebastian Deisler

Liverpool Give Up On Anelka

"After a lot of thought we've decided not to make Nicolas Anelka's move from
Paris St Germain a permanent one. This was a difficult decision and we know
that Nicolas will be very disappointed but the manager has always had to do
what he thinks is best for the club and the development of the team. We
finished the season as runners-up and want to pay tribute to the part Nicolas
played in that achievement during his loan spell at Anfield. Everyone at the
club now wishes him well for the future."
Statement from Liverpool football club

Maccarone Flattered At Chelsea Interest

Italy U-21 striker Massimo Maccarone, who scored two splendid goals against
the England U-21 team in a European Championship group match on Monday,
is flattered by the rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea :

"I've heard about the interest in me from Chelsea but I haven't had any
contact with anyone from the club. It would be great to play for such an
important outfit and live in a splendid city like London."

20 MAY 2002

Baggio Hints At Retirement

"I'll play this testimonial (for deceased Brescia team-mate Vittorio Mero) and
then we'll see what I shall do. It might be a good time to call it a day."
Roberto Baggio

Ayala Confident of Old Trafford Move

"There's a more than even chance of me moving to Manchester. You'll have
to wait and see." - Roberto Ayala

Fitness Worries For Figo

"I want to perform to be best of my ability at the World Cup without problem
or pain. I'll do all I can to help the team but I don't know when I'll be fit."
Luis Figo

Galliani - Serie A Spending Over?

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has suggested the days of record transfer
fees and high wages could be at an end in Serie A :

"The transfer market nowadays will be one of exchanges and players who are
out of contract. Look around you and you'll see a similar trend. So far this
summer the only buys have been free, such as Jon Dahl Tomasson to Milan,
Inter have taken Carlos Alberto Gamarra, while Juventus have signed both
Salvatore Fresi and Antonio Chimenti for nothing."

Milan have been locked in negotiations with Parma over defender Fabio
Cannavaro but Galliani claims the player is too expensive :

"The negotiations for Cannavaro are just talk. I believe that you cannot spend
€60 for a player between his purchase and wages. The transfer market needs
to be shaken up and quickly."

The Rebirth of Serie A?

Italian clubs have struggled in European competition in recent seasons,
particularly in the Champions League, despite heavy player investment.
Many of the big clubs, Milan, Juventus and Roma included, have already
stated that there will not be any big name additions to their squads over
the summer while Lazio and Parma have stressed the need to sell off star
players in order to balance the books. I strongly believe that the reason
for the success of Spanish clubs in domestic and European competition is
primarily down to the fact that clubs such as Real Madrid, Deportivo,
Celta Vigo and Alaves have settled squads. With few new additions every
season the coaches can concentrate on building a cohesive team unit.
If Serie A clubs put away their chequebooks then there is no reason why
they cannot reverse their fortunes in Europe, especially if you consider
the overall depth of talent in the league.

The Milan Lab

Milan hope a new computer system dubbed The Milan lab, will cut down on
players injuries. The database will keep track of the player training
sessions, medical reports and many other details and will be updated
daily.

Coaching News

Fernando Santos to Panathinaikos

18 MAY 2002

Barca Legend Kubala Dies

Ladislo Kabala has died aged 74. The Hungarian born midfielder won four
league titles, five Spanish Cups and two UEFA Cups with Barcelona then
'retired' in 1962. He briefly coached the Catalan giants before being
sacked and coming out of retirement to play for neighbouring Espanyol.
He went on to coach the Spanish national side for 11 years between
1969-1980.

Canizares Out of World Cup

Spain's first choice goalkeeper Santiago Canizares is out of the World Cup.
Canizares, who helped Valencia to the Spanish championship this season,
dropped an aftershave bottle which smashed on the floor and caused damage
to a tendon. Real Madrid's Iker Casillas, hero of this weeks European Cup
final, will now be first choice with Deportivo's Francisco Molina 2nd choice
and Malaga's Pedro Contreras his back-up.

Aiac Serie A Team of the Season

This is the Serie A team of the season as chosen by the Italian Coaches
Association.

Buffon (Juventus), Panucci (Roma), Nesta (Lazio), Samuel (Roma),
Candela (Roma), C Zanetti (Inter), Emerson (Roma), Corini (Chievo),
Totti (Roma), Vieri (Inter), Trezeguet (Juventus)

Panucci and Christian Zanetti have no business on this list. Omitting
Nedved, Juve's most influential player, is criminal. Del Piero and Doni
are better picks than Totti who has had a poor season by his standards.

Dyer Extends Contract

England midfielder Kieron Dyer has signed a new four-year contract with
Newcastle United.

Coaching Round-up

Michael Laudrup will coach Danish champions Brondby
Juande Ramos has left Real Betis to coach Espanyol

16 MAY 2002

Valencia Sign Jardel!

One of our readers, Pedro Furtado, has informed us that according to
respected Portuguese Sports newspaper, A Bola, Valencia have signed
Mario Jardel from Sporting Lisbon by paying his release clause, a modest
£8.6 million with one half going to Jardel's former club, Galatasaray and the
other half split between Jardel and Sporting Lisbon. Jardel helped Sporting
to a league and cup double and also claimed the Golden Boot as Europe's
top league goalscorer with an incredible 42 goals in just 30 games.

Buffon Expects Thuram To Leave Juve

"I do think that Thuram will leave and he will probably go abroad. Right from
day one Lilian did not feel a real part of the Juventus plan. He didn't think that
he was considered in the way that he had hoped or wanted. Juventus is
Juventus, it is not only great players that make Juventus but the club also
make great players. Thuram struggled to settle into this philosophy, one that
helps to produce great victories." Gianluigi Buffon

Milan Giants Discuss Transfers

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani met with Inter president Massimo Moratti
on Wednesday evening to discuss possible transfers between the two clubs.
Inter want to sign Milan midfielders Francesco Coco and Serginho while Milan
are thought to be interested in Clarence Seedorf (nooooooooooooo!). Inter
have been told Serginho is not for sale. Galliani made the following comments
on the transfer speculation over Lazio defender Allesandro Nesta :

"We could buy him with Inter and whoever plays at home could use him!"

Prandelli Takes Over Parma

Cesare Prandelli have succeeded Gedeone Carmignani as coach of Parma.
Prandelli enjoyed great success with Verona in the 1999-2000 season on
the back of a superb home record but has struggled in recent seasons at
Venezia.

15 MAY 2002

Dyer Confident Of Recovery

Keiron Dyer has been undergoing intense physiotherapy in a big to make
England's World Cup squad. England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has given
the Newcastle midfielder until Friday to prove his fitness. Dyer was seen
walking freely at the club earlier today and told a reporter he was 'confident'
of his chances.

Mazzone - Baggio Destroyed

"You all know we are very close and I have to tell you he sounded extremely
depressed in these past days. He's a destroyed man. If I was Trap I would
have selected Baggio as he has never been in such good shape as he is now.
The incredible recovery Baggio was able to make should have been to enough
to earn him the call." - Carlo Mazzone

Macca Slams Eriksson

"Of course I think I should be going to the World Cup. If I didn't then I wouldn't
deserve a place. I believe in my ability and that I'm better than others and
that's why I play for Real Madrid. People have always said I haven't done it
for my country but since Euro 96 I've hardly had the chance to play two
consecutive games and it's impossible without a proper run. It's sad I've not
been given that chance and it's sad maybe the England manager doesn't
understand me, or recognise my ability." - Steve McManaman

Murphy Signs New Contract

Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has signed a new five year contract tying
him to the club until 2007.

Henry To Play On The Wing

"It's true that Thierry plays as a central attacker for Arsenal but he has
featured for France regularly on the wing and he has proved he can play in
that position. Why should we change? The current system works best for the
team and the players within the squad." - Roger Lemerre

Sociedad Name Denoueix New Coach

Reynald Denoueix has been named new coach of Real Sociedad. Denoueix was
sacked by Nantes half-way through last season having lead them to the
championship in the 1999-2000 season.

Denmark, Ecuador, South Korea and USA Squad Lists

DENMARK

Goalkeepers : Thomas Sorensen (Sunderland), Peter Kjaer (Aberdeen),
Jesper Christiansen (Vejle)

Defenders : Jan Heintze (PSV), Rene Henriksen (Panathinaikos),
Niclas Jensen (Man City), Thomas Helveg (Milan), Martin Laursen (Milan),
Kaspar Bogelund (PSV), Steven Lustu (Lyn)

Midfielders : Christian Poulsen (FC Copenhagen), Thomas Gravesen (Everton),
Claus Jensen (Charlton), Brian Steen Nielsen (Malmo), Stig Tofting (Bolton)

Forwards : Jan Michaelsen (Panathinaikos), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord),
Jesper Gronkjaer (Chelsea), Dennis Rommedahl (PSV), Ebbe Sand (Schalke),
Martin Jorgensen (Udinese), Peter Lovenkrands (Rangers),
Peter Madsen (Brondby)

ECUADOR

Goalkeepers : Jose Cevallos (Barcelone Guayaquil), Johvani Ibarra (El Nacional),
Daniel Viteri (Emelec)

Defenders : Geovany Espinoza (Aucas), Ivan Hurtado (Barcelona Guayaquil),
Augusto Porozo (Emelec), Raul Guerron (Deportivo Quito), Marlon Ayovi
(Deportivo Quito), Ulises de la Cruz (Hibernian), Luis Gomez (Barcelona
Guayaquil)

Midfielders : Edison Mendez (Deportivo Quito), Edwin Tenorio (Barcelona
Guayaquil), Alfonso Obregon (Liga de Quito), Cleber Chala (El Nacional),
Juan Carlos Burbano (El Nacional), Wellington Sanchez (Emelec),
Walter Ayovi (Emelec), Alex Aguinaga (Necaxa)

Strikers : Nicolas Asencio (Barcelona Guayaquil), Carlos Tenorio (Liga de Quito),
Ivan Kaviedes (Barcelona Guayaquil), Angel Fernandez (El Nacional),
Agustin Delgado (Southampton)

SOUTH KOREA

Keepers : Choi Eun-Sung (Taejon Citizen), Kim Byung-Ji (Pohang Steelers),
Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon Blue)

Defenders : Choi Jin-Chul (Chonbuk Hyundai), Hong Myung-Bo (Pohang
Steelers), Kim Tae-Young (Chunnam Dragons), Lee Min-Sung (Pusan Icons),
Hyun Young-Min (Ulsan Hyundai)

Midfielders : Ahn Jung-Hwan (Perugia), Choi Sung-Yong (Suwon Blue Wings),
Kim Nam-Il (Chunnam Dragons), Lee Eul-Yong (Bucheon SK),
Lee Young-Pyo (Anyang LG), Park Ji-Sung (Kyoto Purple Sanga),
Song Chong-Gug (Pusan I.cons), Yoo Sang-Chul (Kashiwa Reysol),
Yoon Jong-Hwan (Cerezo Osaka)

Forwards : Cha Doo-Ri (Korea University), Choi Yong-Soo (JEF United),
Choi Tae-Uk (Anyang LG), Hwang Sun-Hong (Kashiwa Reysol),
Lee Chun-Soo (Ulsan Hyundai), Seol Ki-Hyeon (Anderlecht)

USA

Goalkeepers : Brad Friedel (Blackburn), Kasey Keller (Tottenham),
Tony Meola (Kansas City Wizards)

Defenders : Jeff Agoos (San Jose Earthquakes), Greg Berhalter (Crystal Palace),
Frankie Hejduk (Leverkusen), Carlos Llamosa (New England Revolution),
Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Pope, David Regis (Metz),
Tony Sanneh (Nuremberg)

Midfielders : Chris Armas (Chicago Fire), DaMarcus Beasley (Chicago Fire),
Landon Donovan (San Jose Earthquakes), Cobi Jones (Los Angeles Galaxy),
Eddie Lewis (Fulham), John O'Brien (Ajax), Claudio Reyna (Sunderland),
Earnie Stewart (NAC Breda)

Forwards : Clint Mathis (New York/New Jersey MetroStars), Brian McBride
(Columbus Crew), Joe-Max Moore (Everton), Josh Wolff (Chicago Fire)

14 MAY 2002

No Place For Saviola In Argentina Squad

Argentina's coach, Marcelo Bielsa, has announced 21 of the 23 players that
will make the trip to Japan and Korea. Bielsa has confirmed that Barcelona
prodigy Javier Saviola will not be part of the squad and Boca Juniors
playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme is also expected to miss out. The
remaining places are expected to go to defenders Juan Pablo Sorin and
Diego Placente.

Goalkeepers : Burgos (Atletico Madrid), Cavallero (Celta Vigo),
Bonano (Barcelona)

Defenders : Ayala (Valencia), Pochettino (PSG), Samuel (Roma),
Chamot (Milan)

Midfielders : Zanetti (Inter), Simeone (Lazio), Veron (Manchester United),
Husain (River Plate), Almeyda (Parma), Aimar (Valencia), Gallardo (Monaco)

Forwards : Ortega (River Plate), Batistuta (Roma), Kily Gonzalez (Valencia),
Caniggia (Rangers), Crespo, Claudio Lopez (Lazio), Gustavo Lopez (Celta Vigo)

Gerrard Out Of World Cup

England's World Cup hopes have been dealt a devastating blow with the news
that Steven Gerrard will require surgery following the re-occurrence of a groin
injury during Liverpool's final Premiership game of the season against Ipswich
on Saturday. Gerrard will be out of action for six weeks but is expected to be
fit for pre-season training.

Liverpool Agree Fee For Anelka

"The fee has been settled with Paris and we have also sorted out terms with
the player. The terms are well below what his agents wanted, in fact they are
about half of the amount but I will spend the next week deciding whether to
go through with the deal. I need a new striker for next season to replace
Robbie Fowler and obviously Anelka is my first option." - Gerard Houllier

West Ham's wasteful striker, Frederic Kanoute, claims to have been
approached by Liverpool. It seems unlikely Liverpool will follow up interest in
signing Auxerre's outstanding striker, Djibril Cisse.