While the World Cup is taking up most of the focus, for us as a club, the transfer market, which is quietly bubbling away in the corner, is of far greater significance. Cisse's injury has thrown another dilemma into the pot and although there's a ton of rumour and speculation flying around, very few pens have hit paper.


Here at Bendy Kops It, we've been saying for several weeks now that Daniel Alves from Sevilla would be the signing of the summer, if Liverpool can pull it off. Its been a slow and uncertain process, but according to Matt Scot and Dominic Fifield at The Guardian, a deal is getting closer:


Liverpool are edging closer to buying the Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves after the Spanish club's president admitted he may be forced to accept less than his £12m asking price for the Brazilian.


Rafael Benítez has been monitoring Alves over the past 12 months and was impressed as the full-back, whom he would like to use mainly as a right-sided midfielder, helped propel Sevilla to victory in the Uefa Cup. The latest of several Liverpool approaches was rebuffed last week.


Yet the Sevilla president José María del Nido's stance appears to be mellowing. Last week's offer, believed to be about £7m, will need to be improved but Alves now appears to be able to leave for less than his original valuation. "We rejected their latest offer last week, but I don't think this situation can go on for much longer," said Del Nido. "The player has informed us that he wants to leave and, in that situation, the best we can do is come up with the best possible arrangement we can with Liverpool to please all parties."

Follow up:

The 23 year old has made his feelings clear. "To play for a club of the stature and history of Liverpool is not within the reach of just anybody. It would be stupid to turn down the opportunity."


Liverpool are still formulating their transfer policy in the wake of Djibril Cissé's broken leg last week, an injury which threatens to jeopardise his potential £8m sale to either Lyon or Marseille. Both French clubs have, however, indicated a willingness to pursue the deal.


Related Articles:
1. 10th May 2006: Daniel Alves to Liverpool?

2. 18th May 2006: Daniel Alves to Liverpool
3. 22nd May 2006: Jan Kromkamp to Leave Liverpool - "He [Rafa Benitez] has targeted Brazilian Daniel Alves as his big money defensive signing"

4. 26th May 2006: Transfers & Rumours - Editorial
5. 30th May 2006: Daniel Alves: Liverpool, Barcelona - Now Real Madrid's in the Mix