Thursday, August 26, 2010

Hodgson Unhappy With Rafa Over Kuyt Poaching

Roy Hodgson has accused predecessor Rafael Benitez of breaking an an agreement not to approach Liverpool players after an agent acting for Dirk Kuyt suggested the forward was keen to leave Merseyside.Speaking to a Dutch magazine Kuyt admitted he had been sounded out about a move to the San Siro.On leaving Anfield in JuneBenitez gave written confirmation that he would refrain from signing Anfield players.The Dutchman's agent failed to escape criticism from Hodgson who in recent days said Inter president Massimo Moratti had assured him there would be no question of the Serie A club making overtures to those formerly under Benitez's charge.Though no formal offer has been made for Kuyt the 30-year-old's representative Rob Jansen has gone on record about talks with Inter and suggested his client is more than open to the prospect.Jansen said: "The two clubs continue to talk, but things are moving slowly. The difference between demand and offer is important. It is something between the clubs but Dirk told Liverpool he no longer wants to be involved as this is something that regards his career and life."It doesn't mean he wants to leave at all costs, but when a club like Inter comes along it's normal to look into the situation further."Kuyt has not agitated for a move according to Hodgson who dismissed the situation portrayed."Dirk has not expressed that sentiment to me," he said."When he left the club Rafael Benitez signed an agreement that he would not poach players from Liverpool."We haven't received an offer from any club so this is something obviously going on behind the scenes, with the agent possibly talking to the manager of Inter Milan.Hodgson added: "We don't welcome any offers, we haven't received an offer and at this late stage of the transfer window it would be remarkably unusual for us to accept an offer for a player we don't want to leave for money we don't need."I would suggest, with respect, if his agent had a serious plan to to move him to the club he should have been working during the last four to five weeks and not the last few days."It is highly unlikely we could receive any offer from another club which we could seriously entertain.

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