Liverpool expect Baros back
The 22-year-old Czech Republic striker finished top scorer in Euro 2004 with five goals for the semi-finalists and it is believed he is top of Lorenzo Sanz's wish list should he oust Madrid president Florentino Perez in Sunday's poll of members.
Liverpool, however, are distancing themselves from the speculation.
"There has been no contact between the clubs," said spokesman Ian Cotton. "Milan is expected back in training on July 19 along with the other players who played in Euro 2004."
Baros revealed his agent, Pavel Paska, had spoken with Sanz to propose the deal which would be conditional on the results of the elections and new Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez's say-so.
"Something happened during the European Championship," Baros said yesterday. "Mr Paska called me at the weekend and told me about it. It would certainly be a great challenge. But I have a contract with Liverpool.
"I will return there after the holidays on July 19 and everything will depend on possible agreement of both clubs and my manager. When I return to Liverpool, I will talk with coach Benitez. He will tell me his view."
Baros struggled to break into Liverpool's first team last season and also suffered a broken ankle. He admits the elections in Madrid will figure prominently in his thinking over the weekend, with Sanz seeking to regain the position he lost to Perez four years ago.
"If you mean like waiting for news on Teletext, then no, but I will learn the news certainly," said Baros.
Sanz has pinpointed Baros as one of four players he intends to bring to Madrid, should he defeat Perez.
Baros' team-mate Steven Gerrard is convinced the Anfield club can win the title under Rafael Benitez.
"I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't think we could win the league," said Gerrard. "That is what we are all aiming for. I think we've got a great manager. I've spoken to him a couple of times on the phone and he's told me what he wants to do with the club."
Gerrard is anxious to make up ground on the big three - Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. "We need to close the points gap and show we are moving in the right direction, to be right among them. I'm not going to say win the Champions League because that would be unrealistic, although we'd love to do it."
Across the city Everton manager David Moyes is urging Wayne Rooney to sign an "exceptional" £12.5m five-year contract.
The England striker's current deal still has two years left to run but following a string of marvellous displays for England at Euro 2004, where he scored four goals, Everton are anxious to secure his long-term future. "I think this offer is a reflection of the club's ambition," Moyes stressed yesterday. "We have always stated we want to keep Wayne Rooney and an offer of this size for an 18-year-old is exceptional." Rooney's advisers said there was nothing to add to the statement they released earlier which confirmed they would be seeking talks with Everton.
That meeting is expected to be held in the coming days amid a confused picture of the actual interest being shown in Rooney from Manchester United, believed to be his preferred option.
Meanwhile, Chris Hughton's future at Tottenham Hotspur has been settled with the Ireland assistant manager being named as part of new Spurs' boss Jacques Santini's coaching staff. Santini and new technical director Frank Arnesen were given a free hand in making appointments and several of last season's coaching staff had left the club with the pair appointing Dutchman Martin Jol as Santini's assistant.
"We have other members of the staff, like Chris Hughton who will be very important for me," the French man said. "I'm delighted after the uncertainty of the last few months," he said. "I will be coaching the first team and I'm looking forward to pre-season training. It's an exciting time for Tottenham Hotspur."
Hughton also revealed that his new role will have no affect on his involvement with Ireland.
Republic of Ireland defender Ian Harte could be on his way to Spain Levante after Leeds United gave the defender permission to speak to the Primera Liga new boys.
In an effort to cut costs, Leeds are prepared to listen to offers for any of their players and have already seen several big names including Ireland midfielder Stephen McPhail leave the club this summer.
And Harte has now been given permission to speak with Levante should he decide to leave Elland Road.
Leeds' Chief Operating Officer Shaun Harvey said: "Ian Harte's agent has discussed the matter of the opportunity that could be available for Ian in Spain and he has permission to speak to them.
"We believe his agent will be continuing these discussions during this week, he has promised to keep us informed all the way."
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