City Players Up for Grabs – Could the Reds step in for any?

Two caveats before I begin this article; firstly financial costs would have to be taken into consideration with Liverpool finances as they are in regards to these players, and secondly Manchester City are apparently unwilling to sell players to rivals. However, with City having nearly 40 first team players and having only spaces for 25 in the Premier League’s new squad roster, Roberto Mancini will have to offload a fair few players if he doesn’t want a sizeable contingent at the club having to play reserve team football and bringing down squad morale. Not many clubs from overseas and lower down Premier League clubs can afford these players so City will have to make a considered judgement to whether to allow these players to leave for perceived rival clubs. Certainly, City can afford to let these players rot in the reserves but it would cause more trouble than its worth. So who could Liverpool step in for?

Wayne Bridge – The purchase of £16million Serbian left back Aleksandar Kolarov has left big question marks over the former Chelsea defender’s future at the club. Bridge performed poorly at the end of last season and it led to Mancini bringing Kolarov in as a replacement during the summer. The Italian would certainly still see Bridge as backup to Kolarov but at this stage of his career, Wayne will want to be playing games. The choice of Agger ahead of a as yet fully fit Aurelio means the Reds still seem to be looking for cover in the left back position. Added to the fact that Bridge is home-grown it could be a good fit for both player and club, although what City would feel is as yet unknown.

Roque Santa Cruz – Bought by Mark Hughes for £17million, the Paraguayan looks to be surplus to requirements at the City of Manchester Stadium as Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor all appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order. A good target man and good goal-scoring record when fit, he would be a useful addition to the Reds squad if they could prise him away from Man City. £90,000 a week wages and a long injury record though tends to suggest anything more than a cheap transfer or a loan deal should not be considered.

Craig Bellamy – Was in excellent form for Manchester City last season but has fallen out of favour under Roberto Mancini this term and was not even included in the Europa League play-off squad. A return to Wales with Championship side Cardiff has been mooted but no loan deal has yet been agreed, most likely because of Bellamy’s sizeable wages. A move to Cardiff would suit City as it wouldn’t be to one of their rivals in the league but a Premier League destination would be more likely if the money is too high for Cardiff. Could prove to be a better player in a second spell at Anfield but a move is most likely to Cardiff, Celtic or even to link up with his old manager Mark Hughes at Fulham

Michael Johnson – The forgotten man of English football, Johnson has had various injuries and personal issues that have hampered his development as a player. Tipped to be one of the most talented players of his generation, the money pouring into City means he is so far down the pecking order; it would be difficult for him to get a start even in the Carling Cup. Rafa Benitez was said to be interested in the player a couple of years ago but Johnson is probably not needed at Liverpool now where we already have a number of midfield players. Needs to move club though to revitalise a once promising career.

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