Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti claims that financial restrictions mean that little progress is being made in their moves to sign Walter Samuel and Luis Figo from Real Madrid. Figo is a target for Liverpool, but the Reds are refusing to pay a transfer fee for a player that is nearing the end of his career.
Speaking about both players, Moratti claimed that Inter will continue negotiations: "We will try to do something in the next few days. We will see in what direction this takes us, but nothing is free. Thus, we are not optimistic when it comes to the financial side of the deal but from the sporting side, we are. We are willing to try to do it."
Figo’s team-mate Michael Owen, reported last week as being desperate to return to Anfield, scored for Madrid last night in their latest world tour game. The Spanish side were playing in front of a sell-out crowd against the Los Angeles Galaxy and Owen opened the scoring after six minutes. The second goal came after 75 minutes, Soldada scoring from Figo’s through-ball.
Liverpool haven’t commented on the Michael Owen situation, and have also gone quiet on the move for Peter Crouch. Liverpool and West Ham are both believed to have had £6 million bids for Crouch turned down, and stories now suggest that Manchester City have joined the chase. City have just had their coffers boosted by the departure of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Saints boss Harry Redknapp seems resigned to losing his striker. He told the Southampton official website: "Obviously I really want him to stay, but it is a board decision and out of my hands."