City's sights on Anelka as Liverpool call off deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gerard Houllier told Nicolas Anelka yesterday that he is not wanted at Anfield – pushing the French striker towards a move to Manchester City.
The Liverpool manager rang Anelka to tell him he had changed his mind about signing him in a £12m deal after a weekend of thought. Anelka was distraught at the news and immediately headed home to Paris.
Another Liverpool target Djibril Cissé made an impressive appearance for France on Saturday night and Houllier may now make yet another move to prise him from Auxerre. The French under-21 striker Pierre-Alain Frau is another target.
Anelka is now set for talks with Manchester City in the next 24 hours. City are prepared to meet PSG's price and pay the striker's £2m-a-year contract.
The French defender Sylvain Distin has turned his back on Newcastle to join City for £4m. PSG's 24-year-old left-sided defender spent most of this season on loan at Newcastle but, despite their Champions' League place next term, has chosen to join Kevin Keegan's side.
Liverpool will learn today whether they have succeeded in fighting off a £7m legal claim from Middlesbrough over the transfer of Christian Ziege.
The Germany midfielder, now with Tottenham, moved from Middlesbrough to Anfield for £5.5m in August 2000. Middlesbrough, who claim Houllier made an approach to Ziege in breach of transfer rules, want their case to go to full trial.
Bradford City face the threat of expulsion from the Football League as their administrators plan to cancel the contracts of players. The troubled First Division club will be told to scrap their idea of paying off their playing staff at a meeting with the League on Thursday. Bradford's administrators Kroll Buchler Phillips met the PFA yesterday and informed them they are fixed on their drastic course of action. A League spokesman said: "The League has always required football contracts to be honoured. That policy will not change."
The Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Paul Rachubka has joined Charlton in a £200,000 deal. The 21-year-old Rachubka impressed the Charlton manager Alan Curbishley during a trial at the end of the season and has signed a three-year deal at The Valley.
A Juventus delegation is reportedly about to go to Manchester United hoping to complete a deal for their French international defender Lilian Thuram. United's last offer for Thuram was £15m but it is understood Juventus are holding out for more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments