REDS TO DITCH SIMAO FOR JERMAINE

Thursday 13th April 2006
ANFIELD ONLINE LFC NEWS

REDS TO DITCH SIMAO FOR JERMAINE

The Mirror reports that the reds have decided a cut price solution to the right winger problem.

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is weighing up a shock move for Birmingham City's wayward winger Jermaine Pennant.

Benitez's spies have been monitoring the talented 23-year-old as they look for an answer to their right wing problems. Pennant is on the Reds hit-list as top target Simao Sabrosa is too expensive for their budget.

Pennant cost Birmingham around £3million when he joined from Arsenal and an offer of £4m would be enough to get him without emptying the Kop coffers.

For all of his off-thefield troubles, Pennant's ability has never been in doubt.

Benitez is desperate for a genuine rightsided player after struggling through the season with makeshift solutions, headed by skipper Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia.

The Liverpool chief wants Simao but his performances in the Champions League, including helping oust Liverpool from the competition, mean Benfica could hold out for more money - and they will not budge from a £10m-plus valuation.

Pennant is the best option within the Premiership. His close control and crossing mark him out as being just what Liverpool need as Benitez wants to get more quality in his wide positions.

The Mirror has been full of reds news items recently, saying Chris Riggott will not move to Anfield after committing his future to Middlesbrough and that the reds wanted to bring in Raul.

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