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Milan Jovanovic seeking reassurances about Rafael Benitez's future before committing to Liverpool
Uncertainty at Anfield leaves Serbian star in limbo
5 Feb 2010 12:45:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
The uncertainty surrounding Rafael Benitez's future at Liverpool has put the signing of highly-rated Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic in jeopardy.
Jovanovic was widely reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement for a three-year deal with the Reds, to begin when his Liege contract expires in June.
But the player's agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, denied those claims, stating that his client was still weighing up his options.
And a Serbian football source told Goal.com UK that the 28-year-old is reluctant to commit to the Reds at this point, until assurances have been made over Benitez's future at the club, and is considering his options - with Italian side Fiorentina and Spanish giants Valencia also in the running.
The source said: "Jovanovic didn't sign any kind of preliminary contract with
Liverpool, and Fiorentina and Valencia are both interested."
"The problem is that Benitez has not had good results at the club this season, and maybe he will not be the manager at the end of the season - when Jovanovic would have to move to Anfield."
Benitez's own future is in considerable doubt - despite the Spaniard's pledge to honour the remainder of his five-year contract at Anfield. Financial restrictions and internal politics have repeatedly undermined Benitez's position at the club, and there is a growing feeling that the former Valencia manager may seek pastures new at the end of this season.
Only last week the Reds boss spoke of being "proud" to be linked with Italian giants Juventus, who are expected to make an approach for the 49-year-old this summer.
Benitez has been tracking Jovanovic for over three months and sees the powerful striker - who has scored nine times in 23 caps for his country - as an ideal addition to his squad.
Jovanovic is expected to lead the line for Serbia at the World Cup this summer, and has a record of 68 goals in 140 games for Belgian champions Liege.
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
The uncertainty surrounding Rafael Benitez's future at Liverpool has put the signing of highly-rated Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic in jeopardy.
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Jovanovic was widely reported to have signed a pre-contract agreement for a three-year deal with the Reds, to begin when his Liege contract expires in June.
But the player's agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, denied those claims, stating that his client was still weighing up his options.
And a Serbian football source told Goal.com UK that the 28-year-old is reluctant to commit to the Reds at this point, until assurances have been made over Benitez's future at the club, and is considering his options - with Italian side Fiorentina and Spanish giants Valencia also in the running.
The source said: "Jovanovic didn't sign any kind of preliminary contract with
Liverpool, and Fiorentina and Valencia are both interested."
"The problem is that Benitez has not had good results at the club this season, and maybe he will not be the manager at the end of the season - when Jovanovic would have to move to Anfield."
Benitez's own future is in considerable doubt - despite the Spaniard's pledge to honour the remainder of his five-year contract at Anfield. Financial restrictions and internal politics have repeatedly undermined Benitez's position at the club, and there is a growing feeling that the former Valencia manager may seek pastures new at the end of this season.
Only last week the Reds boss spoke of being "proud" to be linked with Italian giants Juventus, who are expected to make an approach for the 49-year-old this summer.
Benitez has been tracking Jovanovic for over three months and sees the powerful striker - who has scored nine times in 23 caps for his country - as an ideal addition to his squad.
Jovanovic is expected to lead the line for Serbia at the World Cup this summer, and has a record of 68 goals in 140 games for Belgian champions Liege.
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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