Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is preparing a major bid for
Blackburn Rovers winger Morten Gamst Pedersen.
The left-side of midfield remains a problem area for Benitez with
Mark Gonzalez struggling to make the position his own in the
absence of injury-plagued Australian Harry Kewell.
The People says Benitez is convinced Pedersen is the solution and
armed with the cash from new Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George
Gillett is ready to test Rovers' resolve in the summer.
Editor's Notes
The news that I have been waiting for so long is finally here.
Liverpool have finally been reported to return to Blackburn Rovers
in a bid to lure Norway's Morten Gamst Pedersen.
The 25-year-old almost joined the Mancs when he came to the EPL in
2004. But the deal collapsed and saw him moving from Norwegian club
Tromso to Blackburn Rovers instead.
At full flight, he is rated as one of the most exciting left-winger
in the EPL. He has pace, good techniques and has a powerful shot.
The only difference I imagine between Pederson and ChelSKeA's Arjen
DROBben is that he has great physical strength and doesn't fall
easily.
Liverpool will be favourites to land the winger as he is also
reported to be a very good buddy of John Arne Riise. After the
recent tugging over the transfer demand of LuCASH Neill, I can
imagine that Blackburn would want a hefty sum for Pedersen,
probably in the range of £12 - £15 million.
You might say that Liverpool would be crowded on the left already
with the acquisition of South Americans Mark Gonzalez and Fabio
Aurelio. Add that to the availability of Bolo Zenden and Harry
Kewell's impending return from injury. But lets face it, none of
these are making any impact down on the left flank.
Gonzalez and Aurelio could be given some benefits of a doubt as
they are on their first season and are 'still trying to adapt'. But
I reckon this is a clear signal for the imminent departure of both
Zenden and the 'often missing' Harry Houdini.
Having said all that, I am very confident that Pedersen is the man
to solve this problem.
