Aston Villa manager David O’Leary confirmed this afternoon that Liverpool had expressed an interest in signing Nolberto Solano. Villa are the most likely destination for Reds striker Milan Baros, and reports had suggested Liverpool had asked for Solano in part exchange.
According to Aston Villa’s official website, avfc.co.uk, Liverpool’s enquiry about the Peruvian were instatly rejected. The website quoted O’Leary as saying, "I admire Liverpool’s taste, but Nobby is an important part of our plans and will not be going anywhere."
The move for Milan Baros is getting closer – Baros is said to have told friends that he wants to sign in time for Villa’s game against Manchester United on Saturday. Baros was on international duty tonight for the Czech Republic in a friendly in Sweden.
Other Reds players on international duty tonight include right-back Steve Finnan, who played 57 minutes of Ireland’s 2-1 home defeat to Italy.
In Spain a trio of Reds started for the home side against Uruguay – Pepe Reina in goal, Xabi Alonso in midfield and Fernando Morientes. Luis Garcia was selected as a substitute in the game which only kicked off at 9pm BST. At the time of writing Spain were 2-0 up.
Sami Hyypia appeared in defence for Finland tonight and will be delighted with their 3-0 win over Macedonia in their World Cup Qualifier.
Djibril Cisse was on the bench as France played the Ivory Coast in a friendly. The game kicked off at 8pm UK time and at the time of writing France were 3-0 up and had been managing quite nicely without the Lord of the Manor of Frodsham. After 70 minutes the French coach brought Cisse on for Thierri Henri.
Didi Hamman played most of Germany’s friendly 2-2 draw against Holland.
The international match that will get the most attention in England saw Jan Molby’s country teach England how to play football. Denmark won 4-1 in a game that saw appearance for England from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Carragher started the game as a half-time substitute, along with former Reds Michael Owen and David James.