Liverpool in fresh assault on Ben Arfa; Cardozo agrees Fenerbahce switch

Liverpool in fresh assault on Ben Arfa

L’Equipe understands that Liverpool are readying summer bid for Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

The Reds have been keeping close tabs on the France international for quite a while and they finally look ready to make their interest concrete.

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool have approached Ben Arfa few days ago with a view of luring him to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

The Reds have already reinforced their attacking department with Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto, but they are keen to add more firepower up front.

Hatem Ben Arfa has two years left on his deal at St James’ Park, with Newcastle chiefs not too keen on selling one of their key players.

However, it is believed they would be unable to resist a big money offer for the player who has scored 10 goals in 49 Premier League appearances since joining the club from Marseille.

Cardozo agrees Fenerbahce switch

Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has agreed personal terms with Fenerbahce, the player’s official representative has revealed.

The Paraguayan footballer has long ago expressed his desire to leave the Eagles, with the Turkish giants the only club to have met Benfica’s €15 million asking price.

Despite the bid being accepted some two weeks ago, the player was unable to reach an agreement over the personal terms.

However, O Jogo has revealed that Cardozo is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth €2.7 million per campaign, with his agent confirming the deal is set to be wrapped up.

“The player is ready, the (Benfica) president has the last word,” agent Pedro Aldave wrote in his Twitter account.

Oscar Cardozo, 30, will go down as one of the most prolific strikers in Benfica’s history, having bagged no less than 105 goals in 160 league appearances for the club.

Valencia’s Cissokho cools off transfer talk

Valencia full-back Aly Cissokho has rubbished claims linking him with a summer move away from the club.

Having largely struggled for playing time last season, the Frenchman has been widely tipped to leave the club this summer, but it looks as though he may be staying at Mestalla after all.

Cissokho is happy to remain with los Che and try to play himself into first team plans of new boss Miroslav Djukic.

“There are rumours every day. We all know that the economic situation of the club is difficult,” Cissokho said at a press conference.

“Now I am under contract with Valencia, I am preparing with Valencia and I want to play with Valencia. Yes, there have been offers, but I am focused on my team.”

Aly Cissokho, 25, joined los Che from Lyon last summer, and managed to score 2 goals in 25 La Liga appearances.

Despite starting the season as a first choice left-back, he lost his place to winger Andres Guardado, who was used in defence in the second part of the campaign.

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