The Sweeper: Roma wanted Rodgers before Liverpool appointment

Oct 6, 2012 8:20:00 AM

The 39-year-old was targeted by the Serie A club before he took the vacant managerial post at Anfield, while Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Spurs' capture of Mousa Dembele

THE

SWEEPER

TIDYING UP ALL THE LOOSE STORIES IN FOOTBALL THIS WEEK

ROMA WANTED RODGERS

Tottenham’s interest in Brendan Rodgers before he became Liverpool’s new manager in early June has been well documented.

But the Northern Irishman’s impressive spell at Swansea did not just capture the attention of Premier League big-hitters.

The Sweeper can reveal that Rodgers was also on the shortlist of Roma as they began the process of finding a successor to Luis Enrique at the end of last season.

That job eventually went to Zdenek Zeman but it demonstrates Rodgers’ appeal to Boston-based owners. Liverpool are owned by Fenway Sports Group, who have several shareholders at the helm of Roma, including former president Thomas DiBenedetto.

- Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

FERGIE ENVIOUS OF SPURS' DEMBELE SWOOP

Manchester United may have spent £49 million (€60m) on signings in the last transfer window - but Sir Alex Ferguson believes Tottenham got the deal of the summer.

Ferguson feels Mousa Dembele - who signed for Spurs for £15m (€18.5m) - will prove to be a bargain and has privately hailed the move as fantastic business for the north London club.

Dembele starred in Spurs’ 3-2 victory at Old Trafford last Sunday and Ferguson’s admiration of the 25-year-old raises questions over why United did not pursue their interest in him when he was at Fulham.

United were long considered front-runners for Dembele’s signature but allowed Tottenham to swoop during the final week of the transfer window.

- Greg Stobart | Correspondent

MAN UTD WANT TO HIT THE BIG SCREEN

For a stadium of its size and reputation, many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that Old Trafford does not have big screens replaying the match action and highlights.

That is largely down to the way the stadium has evolved, with stands being rebuilt and the capacity increased gradually to its current 75,765 capacity.

The Sweeper has learned that United are undergoing studies to find out whether it would be feasible to add two giant screens at Old Trafford - probably to the stands behind each goal - to enhance supporters’ matchday experience.

- Greg Stobart | Correspondent

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