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29 March 2024

Liverpool snub Italian interest for Kuyt

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt celebrates his goal against Manchester United during their English FA Cup fourth round match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Saturday. (REUTERS)

Published
By Agencies

Dirk Kuyt has been told he will not be allowed to leave Liverpool during the January transfer window, after Fiorentina and Roma expressed an interest in signing him.
 
Kenny Dalglish has given short shrift to enquiries from Italian clubs for the 31-year-old who was the club's top-scorer last season but has struggled to find the net consistently this term.

The versatile Dutchman has started just 12 Premier League matches this season following the Reds' summer spending spree and the Serie A clubs were keen to test Dalglish's resolve to keep him.
 
However, Kuyt's agent, Rob Jansen, found Liverpool were not prepared to consider selling.
 
"A large number of clubs in Europe have real interest in Dirk and it is true that there were clubs in Italy," Jansen told De Telegraaf.
 
"But Liverpool will not let Dirk go."
 
Kuyt, who ended a four-month goal drought with the winner in Liverpool's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round victory over Manchester United on Saturday, is far from certain to be at Anfield next season.

Jansen plans to discuss the player's future with Reds officials in the summer, by which time he will have just 12 months remaining on his contract.

However, his work ethic has endeared him to the Anfield faithful and the management staff, who appreciate his contribution to the team.
 
Dalglish has juggled his pack on several occasions this season and the Dutch forward has found himself in and out of the side.
 
This had given Roma and Fiorentina hope they might be able to lure the former Feyenoord striker to Serie A, but the Reds have dismissed their interest.
 
With nearly six years’ service under his belt, Kuyt knows he qualifies as one of the club’s elder-statesmen.
 
However, the Dutchman is as hungry as ever to pick up a first Liverpool medal.
 
“When I first arrived here I wanted to win trophies,” said Kuyt ahead of the United clash.

“That’s the spirit of the players, that’s the spirit of the manager and the spirit of the club.
 
“I’ve been here a while now and played in a Champions League final (2007), a Champions League semi-final (2008), a Europa League semi-final (2010) and finished second in the Premier League (2009).
 
“But it’s not enough to be second. It’s important for a club like Liverpool to be back in contention for these trophies. That’s what Liverpool Football Club is all about.”

He has redeemed himself and be ever more keen to stay at the Kop as Liverpool are in line bid for silverware on two fronts having already booked their berth in the League Cup final against Cardiff.