Speculation is mounting that Wigan Athletic striker
Emile Heskey has
agreed a pre-contract agreement that will seal a remarkable summer
return to Liverpool.
Photo/GettyImages
Heskey: Back in the England squad
The Daily Mail report that Liverpool manager Rafael
Benitez is keen on a reunion with the 31-year-old, but is unwilling
to match the £4 million asking price Wigan are demanding for the
England striker.
However, with the player's contract due to expire this summer
and his refusal to so far agree a new deal at the JJB Stadium,
Heskey would be allowed to sign an agreement with another club this
month ahead of a free transfer move in the summer.
Heskey was sold for £6.25 million to Birmingham City in May
2004, but is now thought to be keen on augmenting his attacking
line-up of Fernando Torres, Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt by adding
Heskey's physical presence and aerial threat.
The 31-year-old began his career at Leicester City where his
power, pace and eye for goal attracted a number of clubs, but it
was Liverpool who won the race for his signature in 2000 when they
spent £11 million to secure his services.
In his four years at Anfield Heskey failed live up to his
considerable potential. However, since his departure Heskey's
career has been rejuvenated and such has been the improvement in
his overall game that he earned a recall to the England set-up.
+ + + + +
good or bad move?