June 22, 2007
LIVERPOOL will increase their bid for Yossi Benayoun to £4.5million — after West Ham pulled the plug on his new contract.
And Kop striker Craig Bellamy may yet be used as part of a swap deal. Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson has lost patience with Israeli midfielder Benayoun and withdrawn his offer of a new £13m five-year deal.
Anfield manager Rafa Benitez plans to cash in on the rift — while also offloading misfit Bellamy.
Benayoun is being punished for dithering over signing a new contract after the Reds’ unsuccessful £3m bid last week.
He said: “I’m honoured a club like Liverpool is interested in me. I’m contracted to West Ham so we will have to see what happens.”
West Ham insist the player has not submitted a formal transfer request, although Benayoun’s feelings have been made clear that he fancies a move to Anfield.
Benayoun, 27, is currently on holiday in his homeland and played an hour of a friendly between Israel and Real Madrid on Tuesday, which the Spanish champions won 8-0.
But West Ham have acted in his absence. They shelved plans to reward the skilful winger by ripping up the remaining two years of his contract in return for five more years and a £10,000- a-week pay rise
Magnusson’s patience with Premier League players has worn thin following his dealings with Darren Bent last week.
The Charlton striker rejected a £17m move to West Ham at the last minute after lengthy talks.
Benayoun must prove his commitment before Magnusson is prepared to revive the offer — but the midfielder is not due back until early next month.
The Hammers are also looking at PSV Eindhoven’s Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone, 23.
LIVERPOOL will increase their bid for Yossi Benayoun to £4.5million — after West Ham pulled the plug on his new contract.
And Kop striker Craig Bellamy may yet be used as part of a swap deal. Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson has lost patience with Israeli midfielder Benayoun and withdrawn his offer of a new £13m five-year deal.
Anfield manager Rafa Benitez plans to cash in on the rift — while also offloading misfit Bellamy.
Benayoun is being punished for dithering over signing a new contract after the Reds’ unsuccessful £3m bid last week.
He said: “I’m honoured a club like Liverpool is interested in me. I’m contracted to West Ham so we will have to see what happens.”
West Ham insist the player has not submitted a formal transfer request, although Benayoun’s feelings have been made clear that he fancies a move to Anfield.
Benayoun, 27, is currently on holiday in his homeland and played an hour of a friendly between Israel and Real Madrid on Tuesday, which the Spanish champions won 8-0.
But West Ham have acted in his absence. They shelved plans to reward the skilful winger by ripping up the remaining two years of his contract in return for five more years and a £10,000- a-week pay rise
Magnusson’s patience with Premier League players has worn thin following his dealings with Darren Bent last week.
The Charlton striker rejected a £17m move to West Ham at the last minute after lengthy talks.
Benayoun must prove his commitment before Magnusson is prepared to revive the offer — but the midfielder is not due back until early next month.
The Hammers are also looking at PSV Eindhoven’s Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone, 23.