Real Madrid are poised to start their usual leaking tactics to pile pressure on Liverpool and Luis Suarez.
Madrid,
who missed out on the La Liga title but face Atletico Madrid in the
Champions League final, have a strategy of luring Galacticos by applying
constant, but unofficial, ‘come and join us’ messages via the media.
The Spanish daily sports papers tend to be their prime tool.
But as this column revealed last week Madrid face a battle not only to
persuade Liverpool to sell and Suarez to agree to leave but also head
off Barcelona’s interest too.
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Spain-bound? Luis Suarez could spark a £100million bidding war between Barcelona and Real Madrid
That is likely to mean Suarez’s value would rise to the £100million mark. At that level Liverpool might find it hard not to sell.
Despite denials it is still believed there is a release clause figure if Suarez wants to move.
This is likely to become the summer’s big transfer saga, while any real movement will happen after the World Cup.
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Thumbs up: Suarez has been the talisman for Brendan Rodgers' (above) side
Gerrard to bid farewell to England after World Cup
Steven Gerrard is set to quit England after the World Cup - whatever the outcome in Brazil.
The Liverpool midfielder leads Roy Hodgson’s squad into the tournament as skipper and recognises
that to play on for the next two years - having just extended his
contract to 2016 – he won’t be able to continue at international level.
Last
week Brendan Rodgers backed Gerrard to bounce back from the
disappointment of Liverpool’s title failure as they compete in the
Champions League for the first time in years.
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Celebration: But Steven Gerrard is ready to call time on his international career after this summer's World Cup
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Leadership: Three Lions captain Gerrard will be 34 after this summer's tournament in Brazil
‘I just think he'll need to assess things after Brazil, as he'll be 34 then,’ the manager said.
‘He's been a brilliant captain for me, a great leader, and a brilliant man. His
condition is terrific. But next season, there will be a big demand. If
he comes and asks that, I'll give an opinion on it [but] I think it's a
decision he has to make.
‘He's
a very clear vision of the game, and what he wants to do for Liverpool.
He loves playing for England. He'll go and concentrate on England and
we'll see what happens after that.’
I
understand that Gerrard has already come to the conclusion that the
time will be right to call time on England days after this World Cup. Frank Lampard is likely to do the same.
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On his way: Chelsea icon Frank Lampard is also set to call it quits for England after Brazil
I am hearing…
Ravel Morrison would be ready to stay at West Ham if a new manager is appointed.
If
Sam Allardyce stays, however, then Morrison will want to move and
should he help QPR win their play-off final against Derby he could make a
move to Loftus Road permanent. Manchester City are interested but
Morrison would be wary of not getting regular football.
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Maverick: And Ravel Morrison's future at West Ham will depend on that of Sam Allardyce
I am also hearing…
Gareth Barry is a target for Tottenham. The central midfielder is out of contract from Manchester City this summer.
But
because of a clause in the loan deal that took him to Everton, who want
him permanently, he would cost the club £2.5 million.
Despite
having sacked Tim Sherwood, Spurs could still take his advice that the
33-year-old is an ideal player to give the team some experience and help
emerging younger players through.
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In action: Gareth Barry (right), challenging Jake Livermore, is a summer target for Spurs
Caffeine fix: The radio presenter and actress had clearly spent time planning what to wear