Reds deny double La Liga swoop

Jul 21 2006

By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have denied reports that they are on the brink of snatching two promising youngsters from La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona's 16-year-old midfielder Fran Merida - described as a playmaker in the Ronaldinho mould - was reported to be close to joining Liverpool, with Real Madrid teenager Esteban Granero close to joining him. Granero is currently plying his trade at Madrid's B side Castilla and has impressed in the Segunda Liga, while Merida has not turned up for pre-season training at the Nou Camp, citing "personal reasons." Mr Parry confirmed "we are aware of both players" but said that reports claiming they were on their way to Anfield were "wide of the mark."