[B]Reds in shock Greek link[/B]
Skysports.com understands Liverpool are closing in on a shock move for former Rangers defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos.
Liverpool are in the market for defensive reinforcements and it is believed they have lined up a move for AEK stopper Kyrgiakos.
The Reds have been linked with the likes of Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross and Hull’s Michael Turner, but Kyrgiakos appears to be a cheaper option for Rafa Benitez.
With reports of Benitez having his transfer budget restricted Liverpool have switched their attentions to Kyrgiakos and they are believed to have agreed a ?3million (Ј2.5million) fee with AEK for the 30-year-old.
Kyrgiakos is understood to have said his goodbyes to his AEK team-mates and is now thought to be travelling to England to hold talks with Liverpool officials and undergo a medical.
skysports.com
[B]Liverpool FC join battle to sign Steven Taylor[/B]
STEVEN TAYLOR’S future at Newcastle United was still unclear today – despite the homegrown defender’s inclusion in the squad to face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.
And it has emerged that while Everton remain interested in signing the former England Under-21 captain, they could be trumped by their Merseyside city rivals Liverpool, who are also in the market for a centre-back ahead of their marathon Premier League and Champions League campaign.
The Chronicle was today alerted to the Kop club’s interest in Taylor, while Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa has also been made aware of the Whitley Bay lad’s disillusionment on Tyneside by former team-mates Habib Beye and James Milner.
Many United supporters believed Taylor had played his last game in a black-and-white shirt after he stayed on the pitch longer than usual to acknowledge the Toon fans following the 3-0 win over Reading.
Everton are still interested in Taylor, but nothing will be clear regarding a switch to Goodison Park until the soap opera surrounding Manchester City’s £20m target Joleon Lescott is concluded – and Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos is also being tracked by David Moyes.
Should Taylor quit United when the window shuts in 13 days’ time, it would leave the Mags woefully short in the centre-back department especially as Fabricio Coloccini has been linked with a move to Barcelona-based La Liga outfit Espanyol.
The blow of losing Taylor would be softened somewhat if United can pull off the acquisition of former England defender Sol Campbell, although many United fans would love to see the two tough-tackling defenders paired together in what would arguably be the most glamorous centre-back duo in the Championship.
Meanwhile, Newcastle were still confident of attracting another big crowd for the clash with the Owls tomorrow night.
Fans can gain admission to certain sections of the ground for as little as £20 for adults and £10 for children.
chroniclelive.co.uk
