Baros resigned to leaving
Aug 16 2005
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff
MILAN BAROS has admitted he is resigned to leaving Liverpool as Aston Villa close in on his capture.
The striker could have played his last game for the Anfield side with the long-running saga over his future nearing a conclusion.
Liverpool are demanding £7million for the 23-year-old, a figure that has so far proven a stumbling block in the Midlands club's efforts to sign the player.
Baros claims he has agreed personal terms with Villa that would increase his salary, although French side Lyon also maintain an interest.
And the striker believes his future could be sorted soon after his return from international duty with the Czech Republic this week, with Villa thought ready to table a suitable bid.
"It seems that there is no other possibility than to say goodbye and leave," said Baros.. "Apparently the coach wants to bet on other players and I don't want to sit in the grandstand.
"When I return from the international team, it will be resolved. It could be resolved this week."
He added: "I have not refused Aston Villa or said that I didn't want to go there. It is a high quality club, it would certainly not be a step back for me.
"We agreed on money straight away and they even raised their offer. I would be on better terms than at Liverpool, but nothing has been agreed yet."
Baros has not played in any of Liverpool's Champions League games this season, but made a second-half substitute appearance against Middlesbrough in the Premiership opener on Saturday.
And the striker has dismissed any suggestion of a rift with Benitez.
"The coach has some ideas and I think I am not in them," said Baros. "But there is no personal thing in it, it is just football and I am not bitter."
As Baros prepares to depart, Benitez has bolstered his squad by snapping up two more Spanish-based youngsters.
The club yesterday confirmed the signing of central defensive duo Godwin Antwi and Miquel Roque.
Antwi, a 17-year-old born in Ghana, has been signed from Real Zaragoza and is regarded as a centre-back who can also play in midfield.
Roque, also 17, trained with Liverpool towards the end of last season and has now completed a move from Spanish second division side Lleida.
The pair join fellow teenagers Antonio Barragan and Jack Hobbs as arrivals over the summer as Benitez seeks to build a strong youth set-up among his playing staff.
All four will be based at Melwood, and are expected to appear in the mini-derby against Everton reserves at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground this evening (kick-off 7pm).
Florent Sinama-Pongolle should make his return after being ruled out since January with cruciate ligament damage.
Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed his fear of Michael Owen returning to England to play for another Premiership club.
With Real Madrid prepared to sell, Newcastle United have been strongly linked with the 25-year-old and are ready to lodge a bid.
And Gerrard said: "It goes without saying I would love Michael Owen back here and I think everyone at the club would love him back."
He added: "Could you imagine him coming back to Anfield and scoring against us for another Premiership club? It would be a nightmare.
"Whoever signs him guarantees themselves 20 goals and in my opinion he'd be the best striker in the league."
