Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Joey Barton and Phil Jones
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Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has revealed he verbally agreed a move to Liverpool in 2004 and was ready to play for the Anfield giants under former manager Gerard Houllier after being recommended by club legend Steven Gerrard.
Barton explained the deal in his autobiography No Nonsense (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo) and said Gerrard was central to the potential transfer to his native Merseyside. The controversial player agreed terms with Houllier, but the Frenchman was sacked, leading to the collapse of the move.
Lynne Cameron/Getty ImagesAccording to Rimmer, Barton wrote in his book:
Had things panned out differently, I could have made the obsessive debate about the mutual suitability of the Gerrard-Lampard axis redundant. From what I gathered, Steven Gerrard agitated to get Liverpool to sign me in 2004, because he felt we had the potential to forge a partnership.
I met with Gerard Houllier at Melwood, and agreed everything verbally.
A deal was close to being concluded but then he was sacked that summer. It was never revived.
Houllier was replaced by Rafael Benitez, and the Spaniard opted to purchase Xabi Alonso from Real Sociedad in a £10 million deal, per Rimmer.
Benitez and Alonso went on to conquer the UEFA Champions League for the Reds, while Barton opted for a move to Newcastle United after departing Manchester City.
BEN STANSALL/Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp could look towards Liverpool's bitter rivals as he searches for a defensive solution to his fragile back four.
According to Daniel Cutts of the Sun, Klopp might move for Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones, as Jose Mourinho prepares to offload the England international.
Jones was highly regarded by ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, but his recent injury record has caused his development to crash to a halt.
Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones believes the most recent injury suffered by Jones could well be the final straw at Old Trafford:
Stu Forster/Getty ImagesThe 24-year-old featured only 10 times for the Red Devils in the Premier League last term, according to Squawka.com, but could relaunch his career in the north-west if Klopp takes a punt on his ability and services.
Jones appeared to be on the path to greatness under Ferguson, but it has been a long time since he produced his very best form on the pitch.
However, if Jones can avoid future injury, he can still be an asset for a top side as they rotate individuals in their starting XI.
The defender's career appears to be over in Manchester, as he's fallen behind Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Eric Bailly in the pecking order.
A move to Merseyside could rejuvenate the fearless warrior and give him a vital chance at regular football under a world-class coach.
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