Transfer Coup: CSKA 'willing to sell' £12m star Wenger called a 'genius'. Possible free...?

CSKA Moscow president Yevgeni Giner has confirmed that that he is 'willing to sell' long-time Liverpool target Keisuke Honda during the current transfer window, and with only 5 days of the transfer window remaining, the Reds are running out of time to make a move for the Japanese superstar.

Earlier this month, Giner revealed his anger at AC Milan's 'disrespectful' behaviour over the pursuit of Honda, arguing that the Italian giants basically tapped-him up, and then offered swap deal involving a comparatively inferior reserve player. He raged:

"CSKA are willing to sell players to Europe, but there are ethical norms of negotiations. We will never tolerate disrespectful behaviour.

"We have been waiting for Milan to understand the situation and stop it, but it didn't happen. Honda is not going to be sold to Milan, not for €5 million, not for €10m, full stop"

Soon after this, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani basically conceded defeat in his attempts to sign Honda. He told reporters:

"I called the president of CSKA and he said no to selling Honda"

Honda has been linked with a move to Anfield several times over the past three years, and in December 2012, reports from a variety of sources suggested that Liverpool were lining up a £12m (€14.7m) deal for Japanese star Keisuke Honda.

Then, in March, the Reds were reportedly in contact with the Japanese star over a pre-contract agreement. At the time, CSKA director Roman Babaev told reporters:

‘We tried to extend his [Honda's] contract, but we can’t force him. It is up to him what happens next.’

In July, Babaev made it emphatically clear that CSKA would let Honda leave. He told Russian newspaper Sport Express:

"Our position is clear. We will let him [Honda] go if we receive a reasonable offer. His expiring contract affects his market value but there is a limit as to how low we can go. We are not worried if he ends up leaving the club on a free transfer. It is a difficult decision to make - part ways with Honda now or keep him until his contract expires".

Nothing came of the interest, but with The Japanese star's move to AC Milan now dead in the water, there's an opportunity for Liverpool to swoop in and snap him up. So, to clarify:

* Honda is available.
* His contract expires in December 2013.
* CSKA will definitely let him go.
* Milan are out of the running.

This is the proverbial no-brainer. Surely, with Milan out of the running, Liverpool should pursue their interest and try and close a deal? It would be amazing to have Honda at Anfield, and given his contract expires three months, there must be a strong chance of the deal coming to fruition.

Arsene Wenger is a huge fan of €12m-rated Honda, and he lavished praised on the player after the 2010 World Cup. He raved:

"When they get the ball they can give it to Honda – and the magic starts. When they get that genius Honda playing up front, he had shown what a top class player he is. For me he’s the best performer of the competition so far"

Brendan Rodgers admitted recently that he still wants to sign 'one or two' attacking players before the end of the transfer window, and (IMO), this is a perfect opportunity to move in for an experienced, exciting player.






Jaimie Kanwar