SHAKHTAR
DONETSK have claimed Liverpool wanted to sign their Croatian
right-midfielder Dario Srna in the summer - and are bracing themselves
for the European Champions to return with a new bid in January. A host of clubs are tracking the 23-year-old Srna, including German champions Bayern Munich. Srna's
representative is former Derby and West Ham star Igor Stimac, who said:
"I really think he is one of the best young midfielders anywhere in
Europe and that looks to be the case judging by how many clubs are
looking and asking about him. "Liverpool
came in for him in August, but Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov
decided against it. He is a very rich man and obviously does not need
the money, so we will have to see. "There
is interest from all over Europe, from Italy, Spain, Germany and
England and I think he should be going to one of the top 10 teams in
Europe. < ="" ="text/">"We
think he would be very good for Liverpool. He plays down the right and
enjoys breaking down the right - something which he cannot do for
Shakhtar at the moment as they are playing him in defence. "He is very similar to David Beckham, he likes to attack down that side and put lots of crosses into the box." Stimac added: "Who knows what might happen, we will have to see but as we said it will depend on what Mr Akhmetov says." Srna
began his career with hometown club Hajduk Split, making his debut as a
16-year-old and spending three years there before Shakhtar signing him
in 2003. It has been claimed Liverpool are also contemplating a move for FC Thun defender José Gonçalves.
The 20-year-old has been one of the stars for the Champions League
surprise package from Switzerland, who are playing in Arsenal's group. And
the player's agent, Ivan Reich, says Liverpool have watched the
20-year-old four times with Rafael Benitez poised to make a personal
check on the player. Reich
said: "I was informed that Rafa Benitez wants to come in person and
watch Jose play. Benitez wants to make sure, before he signs Jose."
|