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General Sports News

Liverpool warn off Spaniards

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 14/06/2009

Liverpool have dismissed renewed speculation linking midfield duo Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano with moves away from Anfield.

Spain international Alonso is thought to be high up on the wish-list of Real Madrid, while Argentinian Mascherano has been linked with European champions Barcelona.

For his part Alonso has never hinted that he wants to leave Anfield, but Mascherano's agent has hinted that his client would be interested in a switch to the Camp Nou.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Despite repeated media speculation on the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players.

"Neither is for sale and furthermore Liverpool has no interest in the long list of Spanish-based players being linked with a move to Anfield as part of any deal."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his club did well to keep hold of Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo for as long as they did.

The 24-year-old is poised to complete a world record £80million transfer to Real Madrid, having come close to joining the Spanish giants a year ago.

Ferguson told The Mail on Sunday: "He wanted to leave, it's as simple as that.

"He was going to go some time. We've done well to keep him for so long."

Former France legend Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Real Madrid are in talks to try and sign Bayern Munich ace Franck Ribery.

Zidane has taken up a position as advisor to returning Real president Florentino Perez and has been given the responsibility of trying to tempt Ribery to follow Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

England's star batsman Kevin Pietersen has admitted that his Achilles injury could hamper his participation in this summer's Ashes series.

The 28-year-old right-hander has been troubled by the problem for several weeks and missed England's opening game in the ICC World Twenty20, which resulted in an embarrassing defeat by the Netherlands.

Pietersen told The News of the World: "I'm taking the best medical advice and I'm doing everything I can to face Australia but, occasionally, Achilles injuries do flare up.

"If that happens on the morning of a Test, then I wouldn't be able to take part."

Lancashire's former England coach Peter Moores was happy with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's return to action.

The 31-year-old took six wickets in the County Championship defeat by Durham at the Riverside, but managed just three and nought with the bat, as he returned following knee surgery.

Moores told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek: "He's come through it really well."

In rugby union Bath have wrapped up the signing of South Africa back-row forward Luke Watson on a two-year contract.

The 25-year-old has agreed a move to England at the completion of this season's Currie Cup.

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