Benfica striker Simao snubs Reds
First Published: Aug 31, 2005
Benfica captain and striker Simao Sabrosa, seen here 27 August 2005, has reportedly rejected the chance to join European champions Liverpool ahead of the transfer deadline
Benfica captain and striker Simao Sabrosa has reportedly rejected the chance to join European champions Liverpool ahead of the transfer deadline.
Earlier in the day it was reported that Liverpool had bid 12 million euros for the Portuguese side's leading scorer last season after failing to sign England international Michael Owen.
Sports daily A Bola said Benfica had put a 15 million euro price tag on Sabrosa who scored 15 goals in 34 matches last season.
The 25-year-old Simao's contribution helped them win the league title and the club's sports director, Jose Veiga, said Simao would be in no hurry to leave.
"I'm convinced he won't be too bothered if we keep him at Benfica," Veiga told A Bola.
Owen joined Newcastle from Real Madrid on Tuesday when he learnt Real would turn down Liverpool's bid for him.
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