While this is not a rumor, David Maddock at the Daily Mirror wrote an interesting article discussing how the sale of Xabi Alonso could be a good thing for Liverpool.

Maddock mentions how the duo of Xabi Alonso and Javier Masherano was strong but lacked the offensive threat and the ability to get behind the back line when players like Gerrard and Torres were tightly covered. However Maddock mentions that the club still needs to sign a midfielder “who can pass and defend, and still get forward beyond the opposition back line.” If they sign such a player, he feels they can definitely chase Manchester United.

Personally I am not a Liverpool fan so I don’t have enough information to comment on the article and suggestions by Maddock. However I’d sure love to hear what our Liverpool fans out there think of the article.

According to Martin Spinks at WhyDelilah, Stoke City are “distancing” themselves from West Ham United striker Dean Ashton as there are concerns over his fitness. Ashton has had ankle problems in the past.

UPDATE: According to Adam Scime at Goal.com, Corriere dello Sport is reporting that AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo is not for sale. AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said,

“Andrea Pirlo is off the market. He will stay with us and finish his career in Milan … You know that Pirlo was requested by Chelsea for a proposed economic deal. We also spoke with the player and have decided to hold on to him at the request of Leonardo.”

August 4th, 2009 According to Martin Lipton at the Daily Mirror, Chelsea are set to increase their offer for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. It is reported that they will now offer Claudio Pizarro + £10million.

According to Sky Sports News, Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has passed his medical for Real Madrid.

UPDATE: According to Chelsea’s official website, Chelsea have signed striker Didier Drogba to a new three-year contract.

July 21st, 2009 According to Dominic Fifield at the Guardian, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is set to sign a new three-year deal with the club once he returns from the club’s pre-season tour.

According to ESPN Soccernet, Hull City are prepared to sign Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore on a season-long loan. Altidore announced on his Twitter,

“First match is against Chelsea subject to a work permit … thanks for the support and love keep it coming.”

According to Marc Iles at Bolton News, Bolton are prepared to sell defender Danny Shittu. Nottingham Forest are thought to be interested in Shittu and Bolton hope to recover as much of the £2.2million that they spent on him in 2008. Bolton boss Gary Megson said,

“There is quite a bit of interest in Danny and we’ll see if it materialises into anything more concrete … I’d not want to talk about individual clubs and certainly not Nottingham Forest who do their business correctly, but there hasn’t been any firm offers just yet.”

According to Liverpool’s official website, Liverpool have been given permission from Roma to begin personal talks with midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

Aquilani has yet to take a medical for the club.

According to Andy Cryer at the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn striker Paul Gallagher looks to be on his way out of the club after the loan signing of Franco Di Santo and the possible signing of Nikola Kalinic.

Derby County, Preston North End, Burnley, and Bristol City are all thought to be interested in him.

UPDATE: According to Zack Wilson at Goal.com, Portsmouth have a 65% chance of signing Zamalek striker Amr Zaki. Zaki’s agent Nader Shawqi told Hayat TV’s ‘Al Malaeb Al Yawm’ show,

“Amr Zaki is close to Portsmouth, there is a 65% possibility of seeing him with them.”

July 28th, 2009 According to Zack Wilson at Goal.com, Portsmouth are attempting to sign Amr Zaki on loan. Zaki’s representative Nadir Shawqi said,

According to Sky Sports News, discussions have taken place between Sunderland and former West Ham United defender Lucas Neill. Neill is currently a free-agent.

According to Sunderland’s official website, Sunderland have signed Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10million. Bent signed a four-year deal with the club.

According to Portsmouth’s official website, Portsmouth have signed Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne on a season-long loan. Portsmouth have the option of making the deal permanent after the season.