Hamann dumps Bolton for Man City
The German midfielder has been coveted by both north-west clubs since it became apparent he was surplus to requirements at Liverpool, despite having a year remaining on his Anfield contract.
At one point, it appeared Sam Allardyce had got his man, only for Hamann to have second thoughts once City boss Stuart Pearce made his bid for the 32-year-old.
With contract talks being dragged out due to Hamann’s World Cup broadcasting commitments on German TV, Allardyce was informed by the player he intended to join City.
Bolton’s initial reaction was one of fury, with Allardyce claiming Hamann had signed a contract which he intended to make sure the player honoured.
However, once it became apparent how determined Hamann was to join the Blues, Allardyce felt he had little option other than to step aside.
The extraordinary result was for Liverpool to confirm the player would leave Anfield for Bolton in mid-afternoon followed by a further statement from the Reebok Stadium 90 minutes later revealing Hamann would sign for ‘another club’ within 24 hours.
Although City officials have opted against making their own position public, Eastlands is Hamann’s destination, almost certainly on a two-year contract.
The signing will be welcomed by Blues fans, who have been desperate for more midfield recruitment in the knowledge that former England U-21 star Joey Barton seems certain to leave.
Pearce has already signed Ousemane Dabo from Lazio and is also in negotiations with Reading’s Steve Sidwell, who could provide a useful compliment to Hamann, a winner of eight medals during his seven years at Liverpool, including the 2005 Champions League.
Liverpool also loaned out fourth-choice goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to Wigan for six months with a permanent deal of around £1m expected.
Meanwhile, Djibril Cisse’s exit to Marseille, on a season-long loan, will be concluded today.
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