Transfer bullshit and Euro roundup

Lets first deal with the never ending transfer saga, which comes round at the time of year, while there is a slight distraction due to Euro 2008, we still find the papers full of the same old bullshit every morning.

It is very difficult to pick out what is real or what is just pure fantasy!

No doubt (I suspect) about Gareth Barry and his desire to move to Liverpool, however his manager appears to have attached a price tag on him that may well force Raffa to look else where. The reports have stated that 10 million was offered up front and now his value (placed on him by Villa) has reached a minimum of 15 million. I am starting to get my doubts about this one, if Raffa can utilize Carson in some way to offset the price it may well still go ahead but a straight cash deal is looking more unlikely.

Crouch, Pennant, Alonso, Riise and Finnan are look to be leaving Anfield. Clearly Raffa has not been given the funds he wants from our American owners and has to become a bit a of a "horse trader" if he wants to bring in some higher quality players.

As to other players who may join Liverpool, the list is endless and grows every day. Only yesterday on one football site it stated that Raffa had bid 15 million for SWP, honestly I ask you!

David Villa's name is now splashed all over the papers, especially after his hat trick against Russia, his partnership with Torres is bound to lead to rumors and there is no doubt he is a star player and I for one would love to see him in a (Liverpool) red shirt. However his three goals have now given him a price tag that may be out of Raffa's reach, it is reported that Chelsea now under Big Phil are considering a bid in excess of 30 million.

My view for what it's worth is it is wide positions that we appear to be lacking class, Pennant was I always thought a knee jerk reaction and never destined to be a long term member of the team, if the chance comes along to move him out, I am sure Raffa will take that opportunity. Much has been stated about Bentley from Blackburn and Milner from Newcastle, both good players but are they any better than what we already have.

In midfield, we have an abundance of riches, to such a degree we can consider selling Alonso and then bringing in Barry, seems to me that the only advantage is that Barry is English and if the rules do change in regards to the number of home grown players he would assist.

I am sure over the next few weeks, rumors will continue to grow, the list of players coming to Anfield will grow even longer and we will witness more of the transfer merry go round!

On to Euro and since our last report Spain have thumped Russia and high flying favourites Germany have crashed. Croatia have stamped their mark with 2 wins and now look certain to move through to the knock out stages, whilst Germany must win in their next match against Austria to guarantee progress into the next stage. In Group A Portugal with 2 wins out of 2 games have also booked their place in the next stage.

Tonight Italy fight to stay in the competition, they face Romania who I thought looked pretty ordinary against France the other night and you would think that they will win. Which means the real stand out game is Holland vs. France. Quiet a difference here, Holland were quite outstanding in taking apart Italy while France looked ordinary against Romania. Very interesting to see the outcome of both these games from the group nicknamed Group of Death. I expect Italy and Holland to win, which means France (once considered amongst the favourites) going home early as their last game will be against Italy and nothing less than a win would see them qualify.

Clearly a lot of football yet!