He's Coming, Isn't He?

Mystery and intrigue remain with the possible move for Milan Baros. Villa and West Ham have been linked but last week reports suggested Schalke were in the driving seat having agreed personal terms with Baros. However Schalke have officially pulled out of the reckoning. They wanted a loan because they couldn't meet Liverpool's £7million asking price but Liverpool are standing firm on their valuation.

Sky sports say he is in talks with a mystery club and I'd back Villa to be that club. Even our lot wouldn't sell a striker before having a replacement, surely? The 23 year old Czech international scored 14 goals for Liverpool last year and still has a great deal of developing to do. A Liverpool fan I spoke to said he was a rough diamond that many Pool fans didn't want to see leave. Reports suggest his future will be sorted out within the next few days.

Schalke md said: 'The club only want to sell the player and is not interested in a loan move. But we can't afford the €8 million or €10 million; that's impossible and, therefore, Milan Baros won't join Schalke 04.'

Baros's agent Pavel Paska said 'Liverpool will now have the key. It is a question of hours or a few days. It will be decided soon. It's nonsense [to say he will leave on loan].'