Saikat Chatterjee · @Saikat_Chatt
13th Aug 2012 from Twitlonger
The Times - #Agger determined to stay, #Skrtel offered new deal.
Daniel Agger says he wants to remain at Anfield, despite strong interest from Manchester City. The Liverpool centre half insists that he cannot contemplate playing for another English club.
Liverpool have rejected two offers from City for the Denmark defender, whom they value at £27 million.
Prior to City showing interest in him, Agger had always maintained that he would not want to join a rival English club and his position remains unchanged despite City’s status as the Premier League champions.
The 27-year-old accepts, however, that he could be forced to the move in the event of Liverpool accepting an increased offer. “I’d rather stay,” Agger said. “I can’t imagine playing for any other club in England but you never know if the club think it’s better to sell.
“I am fine with my situation. The club will have to find out what they want to do. I’ve heard nothing from them. I’d rather stay but that decision is not up to me at the moment.
“Liverpool can do a deal even though I have two years on my contract. But I haven’t changed my mind on the subject. Sometimes you can end up in a position where it’s not your decision.
“I don’t want to be somewhere I am not wanted but I would prefer if they want me to stay. That is my priority.”
While Agger’s future remains uncertain, that of Martin Skrtel, his central defensive partner, looks set to be resolved with the Slovakia international on the verge of agreeing a new long- term contract with the club.
Liverpool are also hoping to sign Cristian Tello, who can play as a winger or a forward, on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona.
Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has already recruited Joe Allen, the midfielder, and Fabio Borini, the striker, but wants to strengthen his attacking options farther before the transfer window closes on August 31. The Northern Irishman has identified the Barcelona player, who can operate as a forward or as a winger, as his preferred option.
Tello has been informed by Tito Vilanova, the Barcelona head coach, that he does not feature in his plans for the first team this season and that he would be better served by playing regularly for the club’s B-team.
Rodgers is hoping to take advantage of the situation by offering the Spain Under-23 player the opportunity to move to the Premier League on a season-long loan.
Rodgers is also looking to take Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid on a similar basis and the midfield player is currently considering his options in the knowledge that Arsene Wenger is also keen to sign him.
Fears that Martin Skrtel could leave Liverpool this summer have diminished significantly after the centre back was offered a new four year contract on improved terms that he is likely to accept.
Tony Barrett