TRANSFER NEWS: Jermaine Pennant has urged Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez not to sell him to Portsmouth. The two clubs have agreed a fee for the 26-year-old winger, who has only started two Premier League games for Liverpool this season.
Portsmouth announced today that Pennant, who has also been linked with glamorous moves to Real Madrid and AC Milan, was due on the south coast to discuss personal terms “over the next few days”.
But Pennant insisted he would rather stay at Anfield and fight for his place in the team.
“My preference is to stay at Liverpool and I am still hoping to do so,” said Pennant.
“There has been a lot of speculation about my future but I have always maintained my position of wanting to stay at the club.
“I am happy to compete for my place here and hope I am given the chance to do so.”
Bolton take Portuguese striker on loan
Bolton have signed Benfica striker Ariza Makukula on loan until the end of the season, subject to the granting of a work permit.
The 27-year-old is a powerful centre-forward who started his career at Vitoria Guimaraes before going on to play for Leganes, Nantes, Valladolid, Gimnastic de Tarragona and Maritimo before moving to Portuguese giants Benfica 12 months ago.
Makukula shot to prominence in Spain and has earned four caps for Portugal, scoring on his debut against Kazakhstan in October 2007.
And Bolton may yet get their hands on Jimmy Bullard after Fulham boss Roy Hodgson revealed the club will let the midfielder go at the right price.
Bolton had a bid rejected earlier this week, after failing to match the Cottagers’ valuation — thought to be around €5.5m.
Negotiations to extend the 18 months remaining on Bullard’s contract are reported to have stalled, but Hodgson insists there have been no further offers for the 30-year-old.
“We’ve heard nothing about Jimmy recently. I don’t know what Bolton are doing,” said Hodgson.
“They spoke to me and our chief executive Alistair Mackintosh some days ago. They made an inquiry for the player, were told our valuation for him — and they offered something considerably less.
“If they’re not interested, they’re not interested. Bolton made that inquiry, but that’s it so far.
“If they’re not pursuing the matter then that’s good news —because it means we can keep him.”
Hammers offer Bellamy new deal
West Ham refused to give Craig Bellamy permission to talk to Tottenham or Manchester City and have offered the Wales striker a new contract.
The Hammers have turned down several bids from the two clubs for the 29-year-old, with Spurs having a €13.5million offer knocked back.
The move now depends if Tottenham or City will increase their bids. West Ham are keen to hang on to the player, unless they get an offer they cannot refuse.
