Liverpool close in on £5m Real Madrid outcast Javier
Saviola
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Liverpool hope to complete the £5million transfer of
Javier Saviola from Real Madrid next week. Rafa Benitez is keen to
sign the Argentina international nicknamed the Rabbit who joined
Madrid on a Bosman free from Barcelona two years ago.
The 27-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 44 internationals,
has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu and has been
told to vacate the No 9 shirt, which will be worn by Cristiano
Ronaldo next season.
Ronaldo, on the verge of completing an £80m transfer from
Manchester United, has already trademarked ‘CR9’ for marketing
purposes.
Saviola, who has Spanish citizenship, will have even fewer
chances with Madrid following the arrival of Kaka and Ronaldo and
would offer Liverpool more options in attack.
Madrid intend to offload up to 10 players to accommodate and
help fund a spending spree that could reach £260m.
The Spanish giants want to sign Xabi Alonso and, after meeting
resistance from Liverpool, may offer Saviola as part of a renewed
bid for the 27-year-old.
Alonso also interests Manchester City, but Benitez insists he is
going nowhere.
