<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" ><channel><title>CaughtOffside &#187; david trezeguet</title> <atom:link href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com</link> <description>English Premier League Football News Blog</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:17:16 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator> <item><title>Swansea City And Fulham Lead Chase For France World Cup Winner</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/08/02/swansea-city-and-fulham-lead-chase-for-france-world-cup-winner/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/08/02/swansea-city-and-fulham-lead-chase-for-france-world-cup-winner/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:51:21 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Jack Atchinson</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Football and Soccer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fulham FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Homepage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rangers FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Scottish Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Swansea City FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hercules]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=69247</guid> <description><![CDATA[Goal-machine can choose between Liberty Stadium and Craven Cottage. Join the FREE CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win Big Prizes! Swansea City and Fulham will battle it out for the signature of French striker David Trezeguet. The 33-year-old is a free-agent following his departure from Spanish side Hercules, who were relegated from la Liga last season. The [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Goal-machine can choose between Liberty Stadium and Craven Cottage.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/07/19/join-the-caughtoffside-fantasy-football-league-for-free-and-win-big/">Join the FREE CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win Big Prizes!</a></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/08/02/swansea-city-and-fulham-lead-chase-for-france-world-cup-winner/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-44095" title="Spain Soccer La Liga" src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9443899.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="274" /></a></p><p><span id="more-69247"></span>Swansea City and Fulham will battle it out for the signature of French striker <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a>.</p><p>The 33-year-old is a free-agent following his departure from Spanish side <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/hercules">Hercules</a>, who were relegated from la Liga last season.</p><p>The ex-France international will snub a move to Ligue 1 for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.</p><p>He played 71 times for his national team, winning the World Cup and European Championships in 1998 and 2000 respectively, scoring 34 goals.</p><p>Trezeguet was due to sign for Napoli last month but the move broke down allowing Swansea and Fulham to make their move.</p><p>Swans boss Brendan Rogers wants a big-name at the club to act as a statement of intent, and narrowly missed out on the chance of bringing Marcos Senna to the Liberty Stadium.</p><p>Fulham manager Martin Jol is a big fan of Trezeguet and wants him to act as cover for Bobby Zamora, who is a target for Tottenham.</p><p>But both Premier League sides could face competition from SPL giants Rangers for Trezeguet&#8217;s signature, who missed out on Kenny Miller to Cardiff.</p><p>The Scottish side are also after Dundee United striker David Goowillie but he looks to be joining Blackburn.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.onlinefootballmanager.co.uk/signup.asp?ref=co">Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!</a></strong></p><p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_41773653.js"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/08/02/swansea-city-and-fulham-lead-chase-for-france-world-cup-winner/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Blackburn Rovers And West Ham United Fight For World Cup Winning Striker</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/27/blackburn-rovers-and-west-ham-united-fight-for-world-cup-winning-striker/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/27/blackburn-rovers-and-west-ham-united-fight-for-world-cup-winning-striker/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:10:57 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Christian Bailey</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Blackburn FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Homepage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[West Ham FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hercules]]></category> <category><![CDATA[west ham fc]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=46095</guid> <description><![CDATA[David Trezeguet set for Ewood Park? Blackburn tickets available from Tixdaq.com &#8220;They called me from England. There is a British club very interested in Trezeguet and the Hercules are considering their important proposal.&#8221; These are the words of Antonio Caliendo, Trezeguet&#8217;s agent, who revealed exclusively to Calcio Mercato the latest update on the future of [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a> set for Ewood Park?</p><p><strong><a title="Compare and buy Blackpool tickets online" href="http://www.tixdaq.com/blackburn-tickets/">Blackburn tickets</a> available from Tixdaq.com</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/27/blackburn-rovers-and-west-ham-united-fight-for-world-cup-winning-striker/"><img src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9443899.jpg" alt="" title="Spain Soccer La Liga" width="480" height="304" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-44095" /></a></p><p><span id="more-46095"></span><strong>&#8220;They called me from England. There is a British club very interested in Trezeguet and the <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/hercules">Hercules</a> are considering their important proposal.&#8221;</strong></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>These are the words of Antonio Caliendo, Trezeguet&#8217;s agent, who revealed exclusively to Calcio Mercato the latest update on the future of the former Juventus striker &#8211; whose departure from <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/hercules">Hercules</a> was unexpected until a few days ago.</strong></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>&#8220;David is available, but we are also considering a number of possibilities.&#8221;</strong></p><p>SOURCE: Calcio Mercato</p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a> has proven himself far from over the hill at the age of 33.</p><p>The French striker has scored 9 goals in 16 matches for Hercules in La Liga, and shows no sign of letting up.</p><p>The 6&#8217;3&#8243; tall Trezeguet has never relied on pace as a goalscorer &#8211; instead combining intelligent movement, body strength, a good leap and finishing ability to score goals.</p><p>It has seen him win the World Cup and European Championships with France, as well as becoming one of the most feared strikers in world football while at Juventus.</p><p>Hercules&#8217; financial troubles are well documented, with the club unable to pay their own players.</p><p>Should either Blackburn or West Ham offer a small sum to take David Trezeguet off of their hands, they would surely have no choice but to accept.</p><hr /><strong><a href="http://www.onlinefootballmanager.co.uk/signup.asp?ref=co">Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!</a></strong></p><p><script src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_23207911.js" type="text/javascript">/*<![CDATA[*/</script>/*]]>*/</script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/27/blackburn-rovers-and-west-ham-united-fight-for-world-cup-winning-striker/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Birmingham City Shopping List: Top Ten January Transfer Targets Analysed</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/18/birmingham-shopping-list-top-ten-january-transfer-targets-analysed/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/18/birmingham-shopping-list-top-ten-january-transfer-targets-analysed/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:15:55 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Adam Davies</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Birmingham FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Homepage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[alex mccleish]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charlie Adam]]></category> <category><![CDATA[daniel larsson]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eidur gudjohnsen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jay bothroyd]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenny Miller]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nathaniel clyne]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pablo Mouche]]></category> <category><![CDATA[paddy mccourt]]></category> <category><![CDATA[robbie keane]]></category> <category><![CDATA[wes brown]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=44741</guid> <description><![CDATA[Room for improvement at St Andrews. Birmingham tickets available from Tixdaq.com Bet on Birmingham City with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to £50 Birmingham City are suffering from a bit of a second season syndrome in the top flight &#8211; they are near the relegation zone this season after finishing 9th in [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Room for improvement at St Andrews.</p><p><strong><a title="Compare and buy Birmingham tickets online" href="http://www.tixdaq.com/birmingham-tickets/">Birmingham tickets</a> available from Tixdaq.com</strong></p><p><em>Bet on Birmingham City with </em><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;232679647;56578174;c" target="_blank">Sportingbet.com</a><em> and get a free bet worth up to £50</em><strong><br /> </strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/18/birmingham-shopping-list-top-ten-january-transfer-targets-analysed/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-44743" title="Soccer - Carling Cup - Semi Final - First Leg - West Ham United v Birmingham City - Upton Park" src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ALEX-MCLEISH.jpg" alt="" width="388" height="512" /></a></p><p><span id="more-44741"></span>Birmingham City are suffering from a bit of a second season syndrome in the top flight &#8211; they are near the relegation zone this season after finishing 9th in their last campaign.</p><p>Manager Alex McLeish has his eye on a few names to help his team climb the table, and after signing David Bentley on loan is concentrating on strengthening other areas of his team.</p><p><strong>1. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/kenny-miller-2">Kenny Miller</a></strong></p><p>Alex McLeish knows <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/kenny-miller-2">Kenny Miller</a> well as a player, having seen the player score an insane amount of goals in the Scottish Premier League. Whether he can score regularly in its English counterpart remains to be seen though.</p><p>He was profligate for both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County when representing each team in the top flight, though he did score goals at a lower level for Wolves. McLeish seems confident though that he is up to the job now, and looks set to make an offer.</p><p><strong>2. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/charlie-adam">Charlie Adam</a></strong></p><p>Birmingham aren&#8217;t renowned for playing the best of football, but with <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/charlie-adam">Charlie Adam</a> in their starting XI they soon would be. The Blackpool captain frequently dictates possession from central midfield and is a key reason the Tangerines currently sit in the top half of the table.</p><p>Having Adam in their side would certainly bring creativity to the Birmingham spine, and more attractive football would also help to bring in the fans. 22,287 watched the derby against Aston Villa at St Andrews &#8211; a far cry from its capacity of 30,079 for one of the club&#8217;s biggest games of the season.</p><p>Still, McLeish has much work to do to convince Blackpool to part with their talisman.</p><p><strong>3. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/jay-bothroyd">Jay Bothroyd</a></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/jay-bothroyd">Jay Bothroyd</a> has had an excellent season so far for Cardiff City, but the Welsh capital side are unlikely to want to sell such a prolific forward.</p><p>Bothroyd&#8217;s form secured him a first England cap under Fabio Capello last year, and now he is a wanted man with Newcastle also interested in his services.</p><p>Their financial troubles have been well documented though, and if Bothroyd has further ambition of playing for England, perhaps he will seek a Premier League.</p><p><strong>4. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a></strong></p><p>Birmingham&#8217;s goalscoring woes up front are well documented. No striker has scored in their last nine league games &#8211; a disastrous record in anyone&#8217;s book.</p><p>Trezeguet may no longer be one of the most feared strikers in Europe but he is playing mightily impressively for Hercules in La Liga. He has scored nine league goals in 16 appearances, and can clearly still find the net at the highest level.</p><p>With Hercules also suffering from a lack of funds &#8211; and indeed unable to pay their players &#8211; their most valuable assets are up for grabs.</p><p><strong>5. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/eidur-gudjohnsen">Eidur Gudjohnsen</a></strong></p><p>Birmingham score a high proportion of their goals from set pieces, with their defenders frequently popping up in the box to hit the back of the net. They miss guile up front, which Stoke benchwarmer <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/eidur-gudjohnsen">Eidur Gudjohnsen</a> has in spades.</p><p>The former Barcelona man has proven Premier League quality from his time at Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea and (less so) Tottenham Hotspur, and if he can play anywhere close to his full ability, he could be a fine player for Birmingham City &#8211; and one that is likely available on a free.</p><p><strong>5. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/nathaniel-clyne">Nathaniel Clyne</a></strong></p><p>Crystal Palace right back <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/nathaniel-clyne">Nathaniel Clyne</a> may be a player for the future, but with the current holder of the role at Birmingham Steven Carr approaching his 35th birthday in the summer, Clyne could soon make the place his own.</p><p>This time last year the 19 year-old Clyne rejected a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, but with another year of first team football under his belt he may now feel it is time to move on &#8211; especially given Crystal Palace look likely relegation candidates from the nPower Championship.</p><p><strong>6. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/wes-brown">Wes Brown</a></strong></p><p>If Clyne is not deemed ready for the Premier League, <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/wes-brown">Wes Brown</a> certainly has the experience.</p><p>The 31 year-old Manchester United veteran has won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils, but with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans ahead of him in the pecking order for central defence, and Rafael and Gary Neville at right back, Brown is now surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.</p><p>A £2m move elsewhere in the Premier League would be a last hurrah.</p><p><strong>7. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/daniel-larsson">Daniel Larsson</a></strong></p><p>Birmingham agreed to sell Sebastian Larsson to Newcastle United earlier this month, but the deal fell through. Nevertheless, with the Sweden midfielder&#8217;s contract up at the end of the season, he is still very much up for sale.</p><p>People with Larsson on the backs of their shirts would then be reluctant to wear them, but Alex McLeish could appease them with a move for Malmo FF forward <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/daniel-larsson">Daniel Larsson</a>.</p><p>23 years of age, (Daniel) Larsson has scored 21 goals in 56 appearances for his club, and has plenty of potential to improve. Small at 5&#8217;9&#8243;, Larsson is nonetheless extremely speedy across the ground and possesses quick feet in possession. He would certainly add a spark to a misfiring Birmingham line-up.</p><p><strong>8. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/pablo-mouche">Pablo Mouche</a></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/pablo-mouche">Pablo Mouche</a> is a striker similar in build to Daniel Larsson, but for Boca Juniors in Argentina.</p><p>His agent has confirmed interest from the Blues, and his friendship with Carlos Tevez has strengthened their case with regard to signing the player &#8211; possibly on loan at first, with a permanent signing later down the line.</p><p><strong>9. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/paddy-mccourt">Paddy Mccourt</a></strong></p><p>Celtic star <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/paddy-mccourt">Paddy Mccourt</a> can score the most spectacular of goals, darting in between players at will and finishing beautifully.</p><p>His trouble is that he seems almost incapable of managing a tap in, but if <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/alex-mccleish">Alex Mccleish</a> could turn the brilliant into the consistent then Birmingham might have a real gem on their hands.</p><p><strong>10. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/robbie-keane">Robbie Keane</a></strong></p><p>Of course, Birmingham made it publicly known that their interest in <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/robbie-keane">Robbie Keane</a> had ended after failing to agree terms with the player &#8211; despite having a £6m offer accepted by Tottenham.</p><p>With Keane struggling for playing time at White Hart Lane though, perhaps as the end of the January transfer window approaches he will lower his demands and Birmingham will revive their interest.</p><p>You can never rule anything out in the January transfer window.</p><hr />Fancy a flutter? Join <strong><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;232679647;56578173;b">Sportingbet</a></strong> and get a free bet worth up to £50! There are countless markets to bet on including which team will win, the first goalscorer, the correct score or even the time of the last goal. You can also try your hand at an accumulator and try to win big from a small stake. So visit Sportingbet.com and register now to put your money where your mouth is.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.onlinefootballmanager.co.uk/signup.asp?ref=co">Join the Best Football Manager game now! It&#8217;s Free!</a></strong></p><p><script src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_22875571.js" type="text/javascript"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/18/birmingham-shopping-list-top-ten-january-transfer-targets-analysed/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Liverpool Striking Problems: Three Star Veterans Who Could Help Resolve Crisis</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/13/liverpool-striking-problems-three-star-veterans-who-could-help-resolve-crisis/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/13/liverpool-striking-problems-three-star-veterans-who-could-help-resolve-crisis/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:38:47 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Steven Constable</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[German Bundesliga]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Homepage]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Liga]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Liverpool FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Serie A]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Antonio Di Natale]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bayern Munich]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david ngog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fernando Torres]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hercules]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liverpool fc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miroslav Klose]]></category> <category><![CDATA[udinese]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=44093</guid> <description><![CDATA[With Spaniard Fernando Torres seemingly struggling to carry the Anfield goalscoring burden, here are three experienced campaigners who still have lots to offer. Bet on Liverpool with Sportingbet.com and get a free bet worth up to £50 Watch Liverpool v Everton live streaming with GetSport.tv Whilst it&#8217;s true that Fernando Torres struck a wonderful opener [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With Spaniard <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a> seemingly struggling to carry the Anfield goalscoring burden, here are three experienced campaigners who still have lots to offer.</p><p><em>Bet on Liverpool with <strong><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;232679647;56578174;c">Sportingbet.com</a></strong> and get a free bet worth up to £50</em></p><p>Watch <strong><a href="http://www.getsport.tv/football/england/premier-league/2010-2011/watch-liverpool-everton-live-streaming-free-online">Liverpool v Everton live streaming</a></strong> with GetSport.tv</p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/13/liverpool-striking-problems-three-star-veterans-who-could-help-resolve-crisis/"><img src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9985234.jpg" alt="" title="Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool - Ewood Park" width="480" height="362" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42903" /></a></p><p><span id="more-44093"></span></p><p>Whilst it&#8217;s true that <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a> struck a wonderful opener at Bloomfield Road last night, he has been out of sorts all season and the weight of the goal scoring burden has clearly affected the Spaniard and Messrs Dalglish and Comolli have been looking for alternatives without success. Moves of the likes of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Carlton Cole reportedly failed so how about either of these hugely experienced options.</p><p><a href="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9443899.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9443899.jpg" alt="" title="Spain Soccer La Liga" width="480" height="304" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-44095" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a></strong></p><p>33 year old former Juventus legend who signed for Spanish La Liga newcomers <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/hercules">Hercules</a> in the summer and has gone on to score nine goals in 16 games and has been an all round success, however it appears that Alicante club is struggling financially, so much so that the players are threatening to go on strike as they haven&#8217;t been paid since November. This could give Liverpool the chance to enquire about a possible move which would be a great short team solution to the problem of the lack of firepower at Anfield.</p><p><a href="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9999181.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-9999181.jpg" alt="" title="Qatar Bayern Munich Soccer" width="480" height="339" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-43623" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/miroslav-klose">Miroslav Klose</a></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/bayern-munich">Bayern Munich</a> star looks set to leave the Bundesliga on one last hoorah and has been linked with moves to clubs as diverse as Wolves and Real Madrid. The 32 year old appears to be surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena but nonetheless managed to score ten goals for Germany in 2010, had a great World Cup and still have a couple of years in the tank. Proven finisher who would suit the English game.</p><p><a href="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-10005377.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PA-10005377.jpg" alt="" title="Soccer - Serie A - AC Mian v Udinese - San Siro" width="480" height="324" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-44097" /></a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/antonio-di-natale">Antonio Di Natale</a></strong></p><p>Hugely experienced Italian international experiencing a new lease of life. The <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/udinese">Udinese</a> star finished top scorer in Serie A last term, netting 29 goals despite playing with a club who finished 15th. This season the Naples born sharp shooter has taken up where he left off, scoring 13 already.</p><p>Clearly Liverpool&#8217;s new owners are planning very much with the future in mind but there is still a case for the here and now. The Merseyside club have fallen so sharply that not only is talk of a relegation battle not premature a dogfight will ensue unless the club manages to put some wins together, and fast.</p><p>In 21 Premier League games Liverpool have managed to score three times on just two occasions and those were against sides currently sitting in the relegation zone, and that tells its own story. David N&#8217;Gog is a trier but is still some way off being a competent foil for Fernando Torres, so why would the club not then be interested in bringing in an experienced campaigner in the short term?</p><hr />Fancy a flutter? Join <strong><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;232679647;56578173;b">Sportingbet</a></strong> and get a free bet worth up to £50! There are countless markets to bet on including which team will win, the first goalscorer, the correct score or even the time of the last goal. You can also try your hand at an accumulator and try to win big from a small stake. So visit Sportingbet.com and register now to put your money where your mouth is.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.onlinefootballmanager.co.uk/signup.asp?ref=co">Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!</a></strong></p><p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_22875571.js"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/13/liverpool-striking-problems-three-star-veterans-who-could-help-resolve-crisis/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>42</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Liverpool to Make Ambitious £4m Move for Serie A Veteran Goal Machine</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/21/liverpool-to-make-ambitious-4m-move-for-serie-a-veteran-goal-machine/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/21/liverpool-to-make-ambitious-4m-move-for-serie-a-veteran-goal-machine/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:08:09 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Mr Neutral</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Liverpool FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Serie A]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Juventus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liverpool fc]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=33467</guid> <description><![CDATA[Anfield boss looks to make use of cordial relationship with Juventus. Bet £10 on Spurs to win the FA Cup with PaddyPower and get £20 free! Join the Free CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win £20k! CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League &#8211; PIN Number 1312 Roy Hodgson will look to secure a deal to bring Juventus [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anfield boss looks to make use of cordial relationship with <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.paddypower.com/bet?AFF_ID=594&#038;LANG=en">Bet £10 on Spurs to win the FA Cup with PaddyPower and get £20 free!</a></strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://rocknrollfootball.fantasyleague.com/FriendsLeague.aspx?p=1312">Join the Free CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League and Win £20k! CaughtOffside Fantasy Football League &#8211; PIN Number 1312</a></strong></p><div style="text-align:left;margin-right:5px;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/entertainment/sports-news-march-2010/image/8228303?term=%5c%22david+trezeguet" target="_blank"><img src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8228303/sports-news-march-2010/sports-news-march-2010.jpg?size=380&#038;imageId=8228303" border="0" width="380" title="Sports News - March 11, 2010" height="249" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" alt="Mar. 11, 2010 - 05612464 date 11 03 2010 Copyright imago Sesa l Esultanza Tue David Trezeguet Juventus Per Il Goal DEL 3 1 Juventus Player David Trezeguet Celebrates His 3 1 Leading Goal Torino 11 03 2010 Stadio Olimpico Juventus Fulham FC UEFA Europe League 2009 10 Photo Giorgio Perottino Inside photo PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITAxFRA GIORGIOXPEROTTINO Football men EC 3 UEFA Europe League Europe League 2009 2010 Turin Single Action shot Vdig 2010 horizontal Highlight premiumd." /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js"></script></div><p><span id="more-33467"></span></p><p>Roy Hodgson will look to secure a deal to bring <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a> forward <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a> to Anfield and hopes that deals that brought Alberto Aquilani to Turin and Christian Poulsen to Merseyside will help in potential negotiations for the 32 year old former French international to the club.</p><p>The veteran forward is set to be nothing more than a squad player in the coming season under new boss Luigi Delneri and Hodgson will at first be looking to seal a deal to bring the former Monaco man on a loan deal which could be just what the Serie A side is looking for as they look to trim their squad due to the rapid addition of new faces at the club.</p><p>If a loan offer fails he could pick up the ageing front man for a relatively small fee with his valuation appearing to be somewhere in the region of £4-6m.</p><p>In his decade plus at the Italian giants Trezeguet has netted 170 times but has found himself increasingly surplus to requirements behind the likes of Amauri, Alessando Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta. Hodgson is looking to bring in new attacking options before the transfer window closes and he may persuade the Frenchman to take one last challenge before he hangs up his boots.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.onlinefootballmanager.co.uk/signup.asp?ref=co">Join the Best Football Manager game now, Its Free!</a></strong></p><p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_12298227.js"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/08/21/liverpool-to-make-ambitious-4m-move-for-serie-a-veteran-goal-machine/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>72</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Liverpool Top Eleven Targets: £154m of Talent Analysed</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/15/liverpool-top-eleven-targets-154-of-talent-analysed/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/15/liverpool-top-eleven-targets-154-of-talent-analysed/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:11:31 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>YNWA</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Extra Time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[French Ligue 1]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fulham FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[La Liga]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Liverpool FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Manchester City FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Real Madrid]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Serie A]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[asamoah gyan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brede Hangeland]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clint Dempsey]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[fernando gago]]></category> <category><![CDATA[gervinho]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liverpool fc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[madjid bougherra]]></category> <category><![CDATA[peter crouch]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rafael van der Vaart]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shaun wright-phillips]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=32486</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Independent came up with a list of ten potential Anfield targets and here are my thoughts on the players we have been linked with. Join Victor Chandler and get upto £125 worth of free bets! David Trezeguet Juventus striker David Trezeguet is entering the last year of his contract so could be available for [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Independent came up with a list of ten potential Anfield targets and here are my thoughts on the players we have been linked with.</p><p><strong><a href="http://tidd.ly/5043b317">Join Victor Chandler and get upto £125 worth of free bets!</a></strong></p><p><a target="_blank"><img src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9099359/clint-dempsey-usa-world/clint-dempsey-usa-world.jpg?size=380&#038;imageId=9099359" border="0" width="380" title="Clint Dempsey USA World Cup 2010" height="363" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" alt="Clint Dempsey Celebrates Scoring Equalising Goal USA World Cup 2010 England V USA (1-1) Group C 12/06/10 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium FIFA World Cup 2010 Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js"></script></p><p><span id="more-32486"></span></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a></strong><br /> Juventus striker <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a> is entering the last year of his contract so could be available for as little as £8m. Apparently Roy Hodgson is viewing him as the perfect addition to a new look Liverpool strike force. At 32-years-of-age he&#8217;d still have something to offer having been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past decade.</p><p><strong>Good player, but not sure the price is a fair one. He has had injuries of late but to be honest his experience could be invaluable. Not sure it will happen though.</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/peter-crouch">Peter Crouch</a></strong><br /> <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/peter-crouch">Peter Crouch</a> could be involved in a shock return to Liverpool. Hodgson unsuccessfully tried to sign the Tottenham striker during his time at Fulham, but with the lure of Anfield now behind him, he may finally get his man. Spurs have such a plethora of strikers that if the right bid came in they might be willing to sell. And the Liverpool fans would certainly welcome his return.</p><p><strong>Didn&#8217;t really get a fair crack in the first team during his first spell at Anfield, perhaps a second try would work well? Roy Hodgson likes big bulky hold up forwards and Crouchy is one of the best in the business. The fact that Tottenham just qualified for the Champions League may make such a move unlikely though.<br /> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/asamoah-gyan">Asamoah Gyan</a></strong><br /> In the strike department Liverpool are dreadfully short of options. Fernando Torres is their only key note striker, and with injuries plaguing the Spaniard recently, it appears Hodgson will need some new options. One of those options could be <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/asamoah-gyan">Asamoah Gyan</a>, the Ghanaian forward who shone so brightly in South Africa (apart from that penalty miss). Rennes want £20m for the fast and powerful 24-year-old, a fee heavily inflated post South Africa, but one which might drop as World Cup fever passes.</p><p><strong>How much?!! Showed good touches but a good couple of matches in the World Cup doesn&#8217;t mean he is a good player. Remember El-Hadji Diouf! </strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/fernando-gago">Fernando Gago</a>/Rafael van der Vart</strong><br /> Should Real Madrid meet Liverpool&#8217;s £30m valuation of Steven Gerrard (or negotiate the price down a little), any deal could see either <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/fernando-gago">Fernando Gago</a> or Rafael van der Vart move in the opposite direction according to reports. 24-year-old Gago is a huge prospect and any swap would mean little money changing hands. Van der Vart is less highly thought of at the Bernabeu, meaning he could arrive at Anfield along with some much needed cash.</p><p>I&#8217;d welcome both Real Madrid men to the club with open arms. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/rafael-van-der-vaart">Rafael Van Der Vaart</a> has been criminally underused at the Bernabeu and Gago would be a decent replacement for the seemingly exit bound Javier Mascherano. Just one question though. If Steven Gerrard wasn&#8217;t part of the deal, where would we get this kind of cash from?</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/gervinho">Gervinho</a></strong><br /> During Hodgson&#8217;s punditry work at the World Cup, he was apparently keeping an eye on Ivory Coast winger <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/gervinho">Gervinho</a>. The Lille man looked an exciting prospect and had been attracting admirers prior to the tournament after a successful season in France in which he scored 13 goals. Lille value the 23-year-old at £10m, which is a bit steep &#8211; but if Liverpool can bring in some cash from selling players, Gervinho would be a useful addition.</p><p><strong>Looks a decent player. Not a spectacular target but perhaps the type of player Hodgson can mould into a useful addition, works well out wide or up front. Could be worth a bid.</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/shaun-wright-phillips">Shaun Wright-phillips</a></strong><br /> Since the arrival of Adam Johnson, <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/shaun-wright-phillips">Shaun Wright-phillips</a> has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City and he appears likely to leave (again). A few clubs are apparently interested, with Liverpool among them. It&#8217;s also rumoured that he could be available at a cut-price £6m as City look to reduce their wage bill. That seems like a bargain, which would certainly appeal to Liverpool&#8217;s owners.</p><p><strong>Some natural width is well needed. Shaun Wright-Phillips still has electrifying pace and can be got on the cheap. A signing I would welcome but it seems a fair few sides are looking at snapping up the Man City man so we better act quickly!</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/clint-dempsey">Clint Dempsey</a></strong><br /> Another Fulham player linked with Liverpool is <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/clint-dempsey">Clint Dempsey</a>. The American had an impressive season, playing an essential part in the Cottagers&#8217; run to the Europa League final. His impressive displays at the World Cup have only increased his stock, with AC Milan apparently making overtures in his direction. A decent bid would be needed to tempt Fulham to sell.</p><p><strong>Clearly a player only linked to us because he is at Craven Cottage but I quite like the American. He seems able to serve many functions and appears to be at his peak right now. Makes things happens and always gives 100%, will Fulham sell though?</strong></p><p><strong>Esteban Cambiasso</strong><br /> Mascherano is destined for the Anfield exit meaning a holding midfielder will be an essential purchase for Liverpool. And it appears they may replace one Argentinean for another. 29-year-old Esteban Cambiasso has been linked with a switch to Merseyside and the rumours are growing. Apparently Mascherano could link up with old boss Rafa Benitez at Inter, and Cambiasso could move in the opposite direction in a swap deal.</p><p><strong>Yes please. Unlikely though. The Argentine is a top notch defence minded midfielder and one who is surely either going to stay at the Champions League holders or perhaps move to Real Madrid. If we are honest we all know this deal will never happen, unless it is as part of any potential Masch deal, which seems highly unlikely. Shame.</strong></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/madjid-bougherra">Madjid Bougherra</a></strong><br /> Both Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with Rangers defender <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/madjid-bougherra">Madjid Bougherra</a>, with a fee or around £5m being mentioned. The Algerian international has been impressive north of the border but now the 27-year-old apparently wants a return to the Premier League where he had a spell with Charlton.</p><p><strong>At best average and at worst the Algerian is nothing more than a no nonsense defender who appears to have an agent who is on a mission. I will be hugely surprised if the Rangers man ends up at any top eight Premier League side. Being good in the SPL is by no means a sign of quality.</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/brede-hangeland">Brede Hangeland</a></p><p>Upon taking over at Liverpool, Hodgson vowed he wouldn&#8217;t raid his old club Fulham. But that hasn&#8217;t stopped Liverpool from being linked with Cottagers centre-back <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/brede-hangeland">Brede Hangeland</a>. The Norwegian is a defender of the highest class and has been sensational since Hodgson brought him to the Premier League from Copenhagen. Rumours suggest Liverpool are ready to table a bid of £7m to test Fulham&#8217;s resolve</p><p>A solid and dependable giant of a centre back. Perhaps a move for the Norwegian would make sense but again I would imagine the west London side would hold firm against a bid from Roy Hodgson.</p><p>YNWA</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.clothes2order.com/stores/caughtoffside">Quality CaughtOffside T-Shirts Available</a></strong></p><p><script type="text/javascript">var vaunit_unit_type=0;var vaunit_width=300;var vaunit_height=250;var vaunit_id=660;</script><br /> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://syndication1.viraladnetwork.net/getad/?style=frame"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/15/liverpool-top-eleven-targets-154-of-talent-analysed/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>51</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Liverpool Consider Shock Move for £8m Rated Serie A Veteran: Hodgson Could Opt for Trezeguet</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/08/liverpool-consider-shock-move-for-8m-rated-serie-a-veteran-hodgson-could-opt-for-trezeguet/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/08/liverpool-consider-shock-move-for-8m-rated-serie-a-veteran-hodgson-could-opt-for-trezeguet/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:37:26 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Christian Bailey</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Extra Time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Liverpool FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Serie A]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Juventus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liverpool fc]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=32304</guid> <description><![CDATA[Mass Juventus clearout could prove very handy for Anfield outfit with limited transfer funds. Think Spain will lift the World Cup? Bet with Betfair and get £25 free! Quality CaughtOffside T-Shirts Available Liverpool could make a shock move for veteran French international David Trezeguet this summer as Turin side Juventus look to trim their squad [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mass <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a> clearout could prove very handy for Anfield outfit with limited transfer funds.</p><p><a href="http://ads.betfair.com/redirect.aspx?pid=7306&#038;bid=1861"  target="_blank" ><img src="http://ads.betfair.com/renderImage.aspx?pid=7306&#038;bid=1861" border=0/>Think Spain will lift the World Cup? Bet with Betfair and get £25 free!</a></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.clothes2order.com/stores/caughtoffside">Quality CaughtOffside T-Shirts Available</a></strong></p><p><a target="_blank"><img src="http://view4.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8228305/sports-news-march-2010/sports-news-march-2010.jpg?size=380&#038;imageId=8228305" border="0" width="380" title="Sports News - March 11, 2010" height="263" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" alt="Mar. 11, 2010 - 05612468 date 11 03 2010 Copyright imago Sesa l Esultanza Tue David Trezeguet Juventus Per Il Goal DEL 3 1 Juventus Player David Trezeguet Celebrates His 3 1 Leading Goal Torino 11 03 2010 Stadio Olimpico Juventus Fulham FC UEFA Europe League 2009 10 Photo Giorgio Perottino Inside photo PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITAxFRA GIORGIOXPEROTTINO Football men EC 3 UEFA Europe League Europe League 2009 2010 Turin Single Action shot Vdig 2010 horizontal premiumd." /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js"></script></p><p><span id="more-32304"></span></p><p>Liverpool could make a shock move for veteran French international David Trezeguet this summer as Turin side <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a> look to trim their squad as new boss Luigi Delneri looks to freshen things up at the Serie A side who last season slipped to a seventh placed finish after seeing three separate managers take the helm at the Old Lady of Italian football.</p><p>32 year old Trezeguet has spent a decade at the club and has at times been a huge success but has not been a first team regular for the past two seasons when poor form and injury have limited the former Monaco man to just 27 starts for Juventus.</p><p>However the veteran striker will still feel when fit he has something to offer and Roy Hodgson appears to be a fan and could feel the powerfully built World Cup winner could be a very useful addition to his Anfield side that doesn&#8217;t include a great many options to play alongside or indeed, instead of, Fernando Torres, leaving a great deal of pressure on the Spanish international.</p><p><strong>Juventus are set to offload <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a>, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, along with no less than 13 other players, as they look to make room for new additions.</strong></p><p>Previous interest in Trezeguet &#8211; <strong>Agent Antonio Caliendo stated &#8220;English clubs are keen on Trezeguet, and both Liverpool and Manchester City have shown an interest. (Goal.com)</strong></p><p><script type="text/javascript" src="http://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_11512733.js"></script></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/07/08/liverpool-consider-shock-move-for-8m-rated-serie-a-veteran-hodgson-could-opt-for-trezeguet/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>61</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>A Jewel in the Footballing Crown: The Champions League</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/09/16/a-jewel-in-the-footballing-crown-the-champions-league/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/09/16/a-jewel-in-the-footballing-crown-the-champions-league/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:17:09 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>David Hardy</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Champions League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Football and Soccer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ac milan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alessandro Del Piero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[arsenal fc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chelsea FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Diego]]></category> <category><![CDATA[liverpool fc]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Manchester United]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Pepe Guardiola]]></category> <category><![CDATA[porto]]></category> <category><![CDATA[real madrid]]></category> <category><![CDATA[samuel eto'o]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=16880</guid> <description><![CDATA[It’s back&#8230; The biggest tournament in club football.. The ultimate prize.. The Champions League. Although we’ve already had the qualifying rounds, but this week is where we really get underway with the group stages. The majestic theme music, the multi screen coverage, and thankfully this season.. No David Pleat commentary. Arctic Monkeys Tickets Still Available [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s back&#8230; The biggest tournament in club football.. The ultimate prize.. The Champions League. Although we’ve already had the qualifying rounds, but this week is where we really get underway with the group stages. The majestic theme music, the multi screen coverage, and thankfully this season.. No David Pleat commentary.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.tixdaq.com/concerts/174/rock-pop/1704/arctic-monkeys/">Arctic Monkeys Tickets Still Available &#8211; Click Here</a></strong></p><div style="text-align:left;margin-right:5px;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=leo messi&#038;iid=3461573" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/2/9/0/4/28.JPG?adImageId=2975700&#038;imageId=3461573" width="420" height="279"  border="0" alt="Joie Leo MESSI"/></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js"></script></div><p><span id="more-16880"></span></p><p>The question is, will Barcelona’s win last season see a shift in power away from the Premiership’s ‘top four’ of <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/man-utd/">Manchester United</a>, <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/liverpool/">Liverpool</a>, <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/chelsea/">Chelsea </a>and <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/arsenal/">Arsenal</a>? Three of last seasons’ semi finalists hailed from England, and Liverpool only fell in the quarters to Chelsea. Also, a magnificent display in the final aside, <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/la-liga/barcelona-la-liga/">Barcelona </a>were very lucky indeed to triumph over the West London outfit in a bad tempered affair at Stamford Bridge. And lets not forget the Italians, will a renaissance in their prospects be forthcoming?</p><p>Many of football’s elite spent much of the summer transfer window bucking the recessive financial trends by spending silly money. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/la-liga/real-madrid-la-liga/">Real Madrid</a> after a trophy-less season splashed out on over £200m worth of talent, which included some of the prized players of their potential Champions League rivals. Not to be outdone, Barcelona replaced their temperamental yet prolific striker, with a brand new temperamental yet prolific forward in a £60m deal that saw Sammy Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic exchange clubs, along with £35m of Camp Nou cash going Inter’s way.</p><p>But what of the Premiership’s finest? <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/manchester-united">Manchester United</a>’s talisman in recent years Cristiano Ronaldo is now a Madrid galactico, and the industrious Argentine Carlos Tevez is now plying his trade on the blue side of the city.. It could be argued that despite the investment in Antonio Valencia from Wigan and Michael Owen on a free transfer from Newcastle, the squad doesn’t have the depth that took them to back-to-back finals, but you cannot put a price on experience and United have that in droves.</p><p>Liverpool, who showed so much promise of development last season, have lost playmaker Xabi Alonso; who followed Ronaldo to the Santiago Bernabeu. With direct replacement Alberto Aquilani still yet to shake off an ankle problem, any repeat of the 2005 success will again depend heavily on Steven Gerrard. The Merseysiders will also be hoping for an injury free season from the mercurial Fernando Torres.</p><p>The one jewel in the crown that is missing for Chelsea is winning this competition. So close have they come in recent years, denied by controversial decisions and missed penalties. With Champions League extraordinaire Carlo Ancelotti now at the helm, fans and billionaire owner Roman Abramovich expect. Unlike previous years, new signings have been limited to adding to the depth of the squad. The rumoured huge bids for the likes of Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo, Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero and Franck Ribery bore no fruit, and given the recent FIFA sanctioned transfer ban, are now increasingly unlikely. Maybe a settled squad could prove highly beneficial?</p><p>Finally from England there is Arsenal. For all of their flair and guile, it is often difficult to know if they will be stubborn enough to mount a strong challenge. As much as Barcelona proved last season that a world class defence is not essential in lifting the famous trophy, Arsene Wenger’s style over substance approach could prove to be their undoing. However, any side with the attacking talents of Andre Arshavin, Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie etc has to be taken very seriously.</p><p>So, if the continuation of English dominance is to be further threatened, from where will the greatest menace hail?</p><p>First and foremost, we have Barcelona. The all conquering side of last season, as mentioned previously, have added the often genial, sometimes frustrating, Ibrahimovic to their already astonishing side. Expect Lio Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta to continue to create aesthetically wonderful attacks. Although question marks persist about the back line, any team will have to be at the peak of their powers to dethrone the Catalan giants.</p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> were the talk of the summer. Breaking transfer records all over the place in the building of what they hope will be a repeat of the famous Zidane, Figo, Raul, Ronaldo et al side known as los Galacticos of five years hence. Florentine Perez from that era is back in the president’s chair and wasted no time in bringing Kaka, Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema to Madrid, to name but four. Will it take the newly assembled side too long to gel in order to mount a serious challenge? Only time will tell.</p><p>Sevilla and Atletico Madrid offer the other challenges from La Liga. Both are strong and now relatively experienced at this level, but one would think not quite enough to mount a serious effort. However, if Atleti keep <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/diego">Diego</a> Forlan and Kun Aguero fit and playing as well as they can together, any team would be best advised in avoiding Madrid’s second side.</p><p>Aside from the Spanish and English contingent, the strongest challenge is likely to come from Italy. <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/ac-milan">Ac Milan</a> now have a World Cup winning Brazilian at the helm, his first management job it may be, but such inexperience has done Pep Guardiola no harm at the Camp Nou. Leonardo, like Guardiola, cut his teeth with the youth sides. He has inherited a mostly aging, but talented and experienced squad from his predecessor, and despite the fact that the likes of Pirlo, Gattuso and Ronaldinho are not as sprightly as once they were they’re far from finished, and the young superstar Alex Pato is to be feared. Kaka, however, will be sorely missed.</p><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/ac-milan">Ac Milan</a>’s city rivals Inter go into this season’s competition with far more pressure. Domestically nearly untouchable in recent years, their efforts in Europe have been considered a major failing for Jose Mourinho’s men and much is expected. Having said that, they have bought well. The aforementioned Eto’o is the epitome of what Mourinho likes in his strikers, and Wesley Sneijder could prove to be a very canny signing as a playmaking midfielder to complement the industrious Esta Cambiasso. The self styled ‘Special One’ has made handling pressure look easy in the past, and there is no reason to think that the Italians cannot go all the way this year. A baptism of fire in their opening fixture with Barcelona may give us some impression as to how likely success is.</p><p>Italy’s two other entrants, Juventus and Fiorentina, do not appear to be quite as strong as their Milanese rival. Although Brazilian playmaker <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/diego">Diego</a> should be a great addition for the Turin side, and they’ll definitely be worth a watch with Champions League legends Del Piero and Trezeguet still bothering opposition defences.</p><p>Elsewhere, it would have to be said that major competition looks unlikely. Bayern Munich managed to resist bids for their winger Franck Ribery, and Arjen Robben should prove to be a superb bit of business coming in from Madrid, but recent years have promised much and delivered very little at the Allianze Arena. Likewise in France, the traditionally strongest outfit Lyon have lost their star player in Karim Benzema to Madrid, and also failed to win Ligue Un last year for the first time in many a moon..</p><p>Having said that, one of the great beauties of the Champions League is its ability to spring a surprise, who for instance would have anticipated <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/porto">Porto</a>’s success in 2004? Despite this, it is hard to see past the two Spanish giants and the Premiership elite. Although one thing is guaranteed – there’ll be thrills and spills aplenty on the route to the final on 22nd May 2010 at Madrid’s magnificent Santiago Bernabeu stadium.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/09/16/a-jewel-in-the-footballing-crown-the-champions-league/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item><title>Liverpool Offered Great £35m Serie A Swap Deal!</title><link>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/06/30/liverpool-offered-great-35m-serie-a-swap-deal/</link> <comments>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/06/30/liverpool-offered-great-35m-serie-a-swap-deal/#comments</comments> <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:59:34 +0000</pubDate> <dc:creator>Steven Constable</dc:creator> <category><![CDATA[Extra Time]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Liverpool FC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Premier League]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transfer Rumours]]></category> <category><![CDATA[christian poulsen]]></category> <category><![CDATA[david trezeguet]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Juventus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rafa benitez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Xabi Alonso]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=12302</guid> <description><![CDATA[What a deal! The Rumour Juventus are keen to open swap talks with Liverpool over midfielder Xabi Alonso. Juve came close to landing Xabi from Liverpool last summer and Gazzetta dello Sport says they&#8217;re ready to try again after seeing a deal for Udinese midfielder Gaetano D&#8217;Agostino collapse this week. The Bianconeri cannot match Liverpool&#8217;s [...]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What a deal!<br /> <span id="more-12302"></span></p><p><strong>The Rumour</strong></p><div style="text-align:left;margin-right:5px;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=*&#038;iid=4743900" target="_blank"><img src="http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/f/d/a/c/SOCCER__Juventus_b735.JPG?adImageId=1755769&#038;imageId=4743900" width="420" height="630"  border="0" alt="SOCCER - Juventus Training in Vinovo"/></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js"></script></div><p><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a> are keen to open swap talks with Liverpool over midfielder <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a>.</p><p>Juve came close to landing Xabi from Liverpool last summer and Gazzetta dello Sport says they&#8217;re ready to try again after seeing a deal for Udinese midfielder Gaetano D&#8217;Agostino collapse this week.</p><p>The Bianconeri cannot match Liverpool&#8217;s massive £35 million asking price for Xabi, but hope to convince manager <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/rafa-benitez">Rafa Benitez</a> by including players in their bid.</p><p>The prime pair to be offered to Benitez will be Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen and star French striker <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/david-trezeguet">David Trezeguet</a>.</p><p><strong>The Source: (tribalfootball.com)</strong></p><p><strong>The Analysis</strong></p><p>If Rafa was to take a deal for <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/xabi-alonso">Xabi Alonso</a> then this would be the best one on offer right now, and more importantly they would simultaneously give the one finger salute to Real Madrid in the process!</p><p>However Alonso appears to be keen on a return to Spain so a move to <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tag/juventus">Juventus</a> may not be the one he is looking for and he may still be irritated by the way the Serie A side decided to halt their interest in him last summer.</p><p>If he did leave though these two players are top quality. Christian Poulsen is a talented midfielder with a lot of top level experience who could well fit in well in the Premier League but it is the addition of David Trezeguet that should excite <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/tags/premier-league/liverpool/">Liverpool </a>fans. The Frenchman may be 31 but still has a few years in him and has been a goal machine for the Italian giants and could operate well alongside Fernando Torres.</p><p><strong>The Likelihood</strong></p><p>Trezeguet/Poulsen in swap deal with Alonso: Could well tempt Rafa!</p><p><a href="http://ads.williamhill.com/redirect.aspx?pid=113086&#038;bid=1357"><strong>Get a free £10 bet on Liverpool by joining William Hill now. </strong></a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/06/30/liverpool-offered-great-35m-serie-a-swap-deal/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>26</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>
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